Why we are dotty for Theatre Royal Brighton’s hit musical 101 Dalmatians!

It’s that time of year when to-do lists become more like scrolls and Christmas is close enough to whisper to you. What better way to escape the frazzled mind state of many at this time of year than taking the family to see a show and stepping into the traditional glory of the Theatre Royal Brighton? Bedecked with spots, Dalmatian puppy figures and paw prints, the bright red lights of the theatre were a welcome sight on this chilly December evening. This is a versatile venue with a programme covering such a breadth, but when it comes to family entertainment, the Theatre Royal Brighton always offers a great range of shows.

The show follows the classic tale (Or should that be tail!) of Danielle and Tom who meet and bond over their love of their Dalmatians, Purdy and Pongo. On stage, the Dalmatians were expertly operated puppets, whose handlers did a wonderful job of making the dogs move freely and look very realistic.

The crowd was entertained throughout, with a stage set that wowed, pyrotechnics, wonderful lighting, and an imaginative use of props drawing us into the action, you know it’s good when a theatre full of children is so engrossed as to not make a noise! Musically 101 Dalmatians delivered a lot, with big show tunes and poignant ballads, all making the action whizz along. Kerry Ellis truly personified Cruella de Vil, the perfect mix of pantomime villain and fashion-obsessed maniac, who has set her sights on a Dalmatian outfit.

Let’s face it the best critics are kids, so I will now hand over to my nine-year-old daughter for her take on the show:

Hello, last night I saw 101 Dalmatians it was FABULOUS. The theatre was amazing, it was covered in sparkly lights and there were red puppy paw prints on the floor, I like the spots inside too. It had gold everywhere and it felt so magical, there were great snacks, and we could see the stage really easily. At the end there was a very cute surprise, I won’t tell you what it is, if you watch it you’ll find out. The show was touching and amazing, there were loads of bright lights and beautiful singing, the actors acted the story perfectly and it just felt that you weren’t just watching a show, you were an eyewitness. The songs were fun, and Cruella De Vil was fabulous, she acted brilliantly and her voice was amazing, and so were the effects. It was jam-packed with emotion; I recommend it for people who are looking for a beautiful, nice evening out and drama lovers. If I could, I would give it five stars, wait I can! 5/5!! This show was wooftastic!

As you can see from this glowing review, we both fell head over tails with 101 Dalmatians and came home with that warm, fuzzy feeling that only theatre can give you.  Catch this one while you can, it’s pawsitively wonderful!

101 Dalmatians the Musical is being shown at the Theatre Royal Brighton from 17 December - 5 January. Our tickets were gifted. 

Caroline and Coco