Chris Eldon Lee reviews “The 101 Dalmatians” which is at the New Vic Theatre in Newcastle-Under-Lyme until 1st February 2014.
This show is so fluid even the double bass is on wheels…as is much of the scenery and many of the Dalmatians; whilst Cruella De Vil’s car laps round the circular stage at such a lick she has the front row flinching.
It’s the energy, vitality, ingenuity and all round dottiness that mark out this production of the rarely staged “101 Dalmatians” as an excellent family show.
Dodie Smith’s 1956 story is simple and straightforward and ideal for the target audience of younger kids. Seeing supposedly grown up men and women wagging their tales and sniffing each other’s bottoms is always going to be a winner, especially when they go on to discuss Shakespeare and how obedient we humans are.
The 50s origin of the story has been adopted as a production motif. Wardrobe has dogs and owners resembling each other (and we all know how true that is!) and James Atherton has composed a litter of 1950s swing and sleeze songs, played on stage by anybody who happens to be handy. Cruella gets a very naughty Eartha Kitt style solo – “Slaughter the Dogs” – and the dance routines include jive and lindy hop.
Amongst the regular jazz instruments I spotted hand bells and a musical saw – and this cheerful cacophony is complimented by actors on stage mouthing sound effects and, course, making animal noises which must have sent Shropshire-based vocal coach Caroline Hetherington barking.
There’s magic too, as Nanny produces newborn puppies like a conjurer pulling a coin from behind your ear. There’s slapstick from De Vil’s two henchmen who reminded me of the baddies in ‘Home Alone’. There are lots of well-drilled children covered in spots…and, wait for it, a big AHHHH! moment at the end.
It’s a fully integrated, delightfully nimble-footed, ensemble piece and the entire cast deserve praise.
Pongo and Perdita in particular (Oliver Mawdsley and Hannah Edwards, pictured) bounce around with more than enough buoyancy to keep the show well afloat and I particularly liked Ali Watt’s portrayal of the old Scottish colonel dog who has more than a hint of Billy Connolly in his pedigree. The scene in which the neighbourhood dogs howl round for news of the missing pups only goes to prove that they invented social media long before we did.
Polly Lister plays fur-fetish Cruella with gusto and a two tone wig (“I was expelled from school for drinking ink”) and there’s scope for her to push the envelope of evilness a little more as the show gets into its stride and the kids’ responses can be judged. Mind you, her driving is enough to scare any grown up.
Director/adapter Theresa Heskins set herself a huge challenge with this year’s New Vic Christmas show. Seasoned critics were to be heard mumbling into their Cabernet Sauvignon, “how’s she going to do that, then?” But she’s scaled the mountain with plenty of rope to spare. Only one problem remains. 2014…..
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Image : Andrew Billington