AD | tickets gifted in exchange of an honest review
Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical hit the stage at the New Wimbledon Theatre, bringing the infamous 90s film to life with a vibrant mix of camp, sass, and plenty of hilariously cheeky moments. If you're a fan of the original movie or just looking for a nostalgic trip back to the decade, this musical delivers the goods.
The central scheming duo, Kathryn (Nic Myers) and Sebastian (Will Callan), remain as devious and irresistible as ever. Both characters are portrayed as the epitome of rich, manipulative high school royalty, using their looks and charms to orchestrate scandalous games. Sebastian is tasked with seducing Annette (Abbie Budden) to win a bet with his step-sister Kathryn, while also trying to ruin the sweet, innocent Cecile (Lucy Carter). As the drama unfolds, the musical doesn’t hesitate to embrace the darker, more salacious side of its plot.
One of the standout features of the production is how it condenses the film's complex twists into a more streamlined musical experience, with the 90s soundtrack taking centre stage. The energetic ensemble team plays a crucial role in set transitions, often doubling up as part of the choreography (by Gary Lloyd), making the musical flow seamlessly. The performances are heightened by the fun use of 90s hits, which could easily be seen as random in another production, but here they enhance the show’s playful and slightly satirical vibe. Songs like 'I Want It That Way' and 'Torn' bring the crowd alive, creating moments of pure 90s euphoria.
Particularly noteworthy are Luke Conner Hall (who plays Blaine) and Joe Simmons (who plays Greg), whose playful chemistry, in their subplot, deliver some of the evening's most entertaining moments. Their comic timing and well-choreographed interactions draw huge laughs, creating a fun contrast to the more serious undertones of the story.
While the production is full of fun and nostalgia, it does try to show its emotional depth. Nic Myers, as Kathryn, stuns with a heartfelt performance during an emotional medley that almost made us sympathize with her manipulative character. And the final scene, accompanied by The Verve's 'Bittersweet Symphony', provides a sobering, yet powerful, emotional punch, shifting the tone of the musical and leaving a lasting impact.
That said, some of Jordan Ross, Lindsey Rosin and Roger Kumble's dialogue still uses outdated and controversial terms related to gender, race, and sexuality, reflecting the original film’s provocative tone. These elements might be jarring for some, but they’re faithful to the 1999 classic and add to the raw, unfiltered energy of the show.
Though the sudden ending of the musical would have benefited from more emotive scripting to give some depth. I would have loved to hear some original songs to be mixed in with the list of well-known hits. Plus the set by Polly Sullivan, although cleverly used, could have been more elaborate just like the 90s were.
In the end, Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is an over-the-top, wildly entertaining production that embraces the spirit of 90s pop culture with a mix of laughs, nostalgia, and sharp wit. Whether you’re reliving the decade or seeing the iconic film’s story told anew, this show is a highly enjoyable and doesn’t take itself too seriously.
★★★★
Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical, plays at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 29th of February, and then continues its UK tour.
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