The Eventim Apollo erupted in barks, gasps, and show-stopping magic as 101 Dalmatians: The Musical opened in London. With jaw-dropping puppetry, a real Dalmatian puppy stealing scenes, and Britain’s Got Talent winner Sydnie Christmas devouring the role of Cruella, this isn’t just a kids’ show; it’s the must-see theatrical event of the summer.
The musical brings Dodie Smith’s classic tale to life with stunning puppetry (so real, kids gasp), a live Dalmatian puppy finale, and showstopping vocals from Christmas’s Cruella. JLS’s Aston Merrygold (as Jasper) and TV’s Jeff Brazier (making his musical debut) round out a cast that blends humor, heart, and technical wizardry.
101 Dalmatians Musical | Sydnie Christmas, Jeff Brazier & Aston Merrygold at London Opening Night
Fans raved about the puppets’ lifelike quirks (scratching, sniffing) and the tear-jerking bond between Pongo and Perdi. But the show-stealer? Olivia, the real Dalmatian puppy who appears at the end. “We’re happy to be upstaged by her; she’s glorious!” laughed Brazier. Even adults admitted to crying; with joy.
For Christmas, playing Cruella is a full-circle moment; she’s manifested the role for years, even owning a hairless dog like the villain’s. But her powerhouse vocals? That’s all natural. Just like in her BGT-winning audition, where she left judges speechless!
Sydnie Christmas’s BGT Winning Audition That Broke the Internet
Christmas’s BGT victory wasn’t luck; it was a masterclass in control, blending soulful lows and explosive highs. Now, as Cruella, she channels that same intensity into “The Future’s Bright”, the musical’s villain anthem. Fans say it’s “even better live; chilling, hilarious, and oddly relatable.”
The cast’s behind-the-scenes clips; from puppet rehearsals to Olivia’s backstage VIP treatment; are going viral. Follow #DalmatiansMusical for puppy cameos, Sydnie’s killer costume changes, and Merrygold’s playful Jasper antics. As Brazier says: “There’s a character for everyone here.”