Book: Johnny McKnight
Music and Lyrics: Douglas Hodge
Writer: Dodie Smith
Director: Bill Buckhurst
Dog lovers rejoice. The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre has what you’re looking for with 101 Dalmatians on 
stage and a splendid mix of family-friendly fun. Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel was the inspiration for the much-loved Disney classic that hit the screens five years later, and this musical sticks with its child-friendly roots despite some variations to the script.
Tom is an aspiring fashion designer who just so happens to cross paths with animal lover, Danielle. Their two Dalmatians, Perdi and Pongo become besotted just as their owners are writing their own love story. When Tom finally gets news of a potential career breakthrough, all appears as if it is too good to be true. Enter Cruella De Vil, one of the most recognisable villains. With Tom’s career prospects hanging in the balance, Cruella’s only interest is to hang a spectacularly spotty set of outfits in her wardrobe. What follows is a story of trials and tribulations as the strength of family and love battle the greed and power of Cruella’s desires.
Johnny McKnight’s pantomime background comes through to the fore of this production, and throughout it can feel more like you are indeed watching a panto instead of a musical. A blend of quirky jokes, exaggerated mannerisms and over-the-top characters dominates the production rather than the music by Douglas Hodge, which is original but lacks memorability. Take Me Home is a standout number which features at the start and end of the show, but many of the other songs don’t have the same impact and feel forced. Despite not having a traditional musical feel, there is no doubt that the pantomime-inspired goofiness combined with a classic and well-known story is a hit with children in the audience.
Danielle and Tom’s humble abode is designed with cosiness in mind by David Woodhead. It paints the picture of a loving couple and their two dogs who unbeknownst to them are about to inject chaos into the cramped family home in the form of fifteen spotty pups. The design elements are simple, yet effective, and the physical sequence to show Cruella’s car crash is imaginative.
Jessie Elland and Samuel Thomas do a fine job portraying the loved-up and caring couple that is Danielle and Tom. Their dilemmas on stage leave the audience feeling empathetic and connected to them as they battle against Cruella. While the character of Tom is a little over the top in his behaviour, it certainly gets a laugh from the young audience as he nervously tries to pull himself together to impress Danielle at the start of the show.
Charles Brunton and Danny Hendrix excel in the roles of Casper and Jasper, as they do their best to carry out the wishes of ‘Aunt Cruella’. Both bring a ton of ‘pantoesque’ humour as the two characters try and fail to be the villainous duo that Cruella needs them to be. Faye Tozer is no stranger to the stage and her vocals in the role of the lavish and overawing Cruella are excellent. As with many other musical productions that feature animals, the use of puppetry is creative, inspired and realistic. The ensemble is tasked with bringing the puppies to life along with Emma Thornett (Perdi) and Linford Johnson (Pongo) who are especially worthy of mention when the dogs break out into song to narrate their struggles.
101 Dalmations is entertaining and will certainly be appreciated more by children towards whom it is clearly targeted. It feels more pantomime than musical theatre, but I’m paws-itive this won’t stop you enjoying this heart-warming, family-friendly show.
Runs until 24 August 2024 and on tour
