Review: 101 Dalmatians, Southampton Mayflower Theatre

DOTTY and delightful, 101 Dalmatians is onstage at Southampton Mayflower Theatre this week blending brilliant puppetry and canine capers for a hefty dose of family fun.

Adapted from Dodie Smith’s 1956 novel, which later inspired the much-loved Disney film, this new musical version was first performed at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London in 2022.

Featuring a superb new musical score of catchy hits, the furry tale has been lovingly recreated to feel fresh and engaging, while retaining all the charm of the original story.

Brought together by their love of spotty canines, young couple Tom (Samuel Thomas) and Danielle (Jessie Elland) were delighted and overwhelmed when their beloved pets Pongo (Linford Johnson) and Purdi (Emma Thornett) became parents to 15 adorable Dalmatian pups.

However, trouble was on the horizon after the wonderful villainess Cruella De Vil, (Kym Marsh) recruited Tom to design her most spectacular outfit to date! Bringing just the right mix of glamour and wickedness, Marsh was absolutely superb in the iconic role, with a wardrobe of dazzling outfits to match her larger-than-life character!

Alongside her, Samuel Thomas and Jessie Elland were just perfect as the love-stuck owners of Pongo and Purdi, and Daniel Henrix and Charles Brunton were brilliant as Cruella’s hapless orphaned nephews-come-henchmen – delivering plenty of comedy moments to the wonderfully engaging show.

The scenery was simple and well-designed to facilitate quick changes between Tom and Daniella’s cosy home, the park and Cruella’s devilish mansion. Lighting also added to the sense of drama and foreboding, particularly when Cruella was on the prowl.

Puppetry was quite simply brilliant, from the opening scene in the dog’s home, to the wonderful recreation of the Twilight Bark when canines appeared throughout the audience. I loved the vast range of creatures that were featured, from the pink poodle to the playful pugs, and even a trio of feline friends.

My seven-year-old son who came with me was completely swept along by the adventure, loving every minute but especially the bottom-sniffing scenes! So if you’re looking for a paw-some family treat 101 Dalmatians really is a top doggy tail you’d be barking mad to miss!

101 Dalmatians will be at Southampton Mayflower Theatre until Saturday 26th October. Tickets are from £24.50. To book visit www.mayflower.org.uk or 023 8071 1811.