Based on Dodie Smith’s book and direct from London's Regent’s Park Theatre, 101 Dalmatians the Musical embarks on its first-ever UK tour! Steps star Faye Tozer as Cruella De Vil.
101 Dalmatians has music and Lyrics written by Douglas Hodge and book by Johnny McKnight with a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris.
In this Behind the Curtain interview I got to speak to one of the shows stars
Ross Dorrington to find out more...
For people who maybe don’t know what the show is about, could you tell us what 101 Dalmatians the musical is about?
101 Dalmatians follows the story of a couple, Danielle and Tom and their two dogs Pongo and Perdi, along the way we meet fashionista Cruella De Vil who plots and convinces her nephews to steal the 15 newly born puppies of Pongo and Perdi and turn them into a diabolical fashion statement. The three hero puppies, Patch, Spud and Button are taken on long journey with the help of Tabby the cat to try and find their Mum and Dad. They face many obstacles along the way and experience the world in a way they never imagined. Do they find their parents? Does Cruella get her comeuppance? You will have to come and watch the show to find out!
With 101 Dalmatians being a popular Disney film, how would you say it translates into a stage musical? Are there any similarities or differences between film and stage?
I believe this story translates seamlessly into a staged musical, and whilst there are differences between the two, the story that people have grown up with and love is very much apparent. What Douglas Hodge and Johnny Mcknight have managed to do is encapsulate through both the music and script, the core themes of the original book whilst also bringing it into the 21st century in a very clever way.
How would you describe the book, music, and choreography in the show?
Endearing, catchy and fun
Obviously the show can’t have 101 real Dalmatians, and so the show uses puppetry for the Dalmatians. How are you and the cast finding doing the puppetry and what is the most difficult and easiest thing?
I personally found the puppetry incredibly difficult and still do. Having never done any kind of puppetry in the past, it’s been a real challenge to catch up to the wonderful puppeteers we have in the cast. There is truthfully nothing easy about it, however, for me the most difficult thing to maintain, is keeping the puppet alive when you aren’t speaking/singing any lines. Remembering to keep the puppet breathing and keeping it active, in a way that doesn’t distract from the main storyline.
With the show just opened in Wimbledon, what are you, the cast and creatives finding out that the audience are reacting to the most?
The audience are reacting really well to everything we hoped they would. It’s always a gamble when you are performing a never before seen version of a show, but as a collective, we are all super happy with how it has been received.
What advice, or top tip, would you give other budding young performers to get into the industry?
Be passionate, put the work in and make sure you love it!
Could you tell us what your first memory of theatre was? And how did that make you feel?
My first memory of the theatre was performing in my High School production of High School Musical. I hadn’t performed before, but I remember having the most amazing time. It wasn’t until a few years later that I began performing outside of school and starting dance classes. But I feel like being in that show was where the spark started.
How would you say performing makes you feel and why?
Performing makes me feel like I’m being 100% truthful to who I am. When I was younger I did get picked on for dancing and singing, and although it was not a nice thing to deal with, I always said to myself “It’s okay Ross, this is what you want to do. Don’t let these small minded people get you down”
What is your favourite moment in the show?
My favourite moment of the show is the finale when we sing One Hundred and One.
Describe the show in one sentence or 3 words.
A great family night out!
101 Dalmatians the Musical plays at the Leicester Curve from Tuesday 23rd of July until the 27th of July and tours the UK until the 5th of January 2025.
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