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!
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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.”