With summer in full swing and families heading to theaters for some live entertainment, one show is stealing hearts — and the spotlight — in London.
Sydnie Christmas has received a wave of glowing praise for her scene-stealing turn as Cruella De Vil in the new stage version of 101 Dalmatians, currently running at the Eventim Apollo in Hammersmith.
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Her over-the-top performance has critics and fans alike calling it a standout, and many are saying it felt like Christmas came early — especially for the young, and the young at heart, in the crowd.
Watch the full show trailer below.
From the moment Christmas made her entrance in a gloriously gory giraffe-print outfit, the energy in the room shifted. Oozing villainous charm and dramatic flair, she commanded every scene with ease. And it’s no surprise — as a former Britain’s Got Talent winner, Sydnie Christmas not only brought serious vocal power, but also a comedic boldness that turned Cruella into something unforgettable.
Her performance of “I Can Smell Puppy” was a monstrous musical highlight — equal parts funny, fierce, and fabulous.
But this production isn’t just about Cruella. It’s an all-around dazzling experience filled with color, chaos, and clever puppetry. The opening number, “Take Me Home”, sets the tone with Muppet Show-style energy, and the show bounces between gothic, gory fun and sweet, heartwarming moments.
The stars of the story — Pongo and Perdi, brought to life by Linford Johnson and Emma Thornett — lead a furry, emotional journey filled with daring rescues and big feelings. Meanwhile, Jeff Brazier (making his stage debut) and JLS star Aston Merrygold bring lovable clumsiness to their roles as Cruella’s accident-prone henchmen. Their comedic timing, despite limited acting experience, has been a crowd-pleasing surprise.
Other standouts include Laura Baldwin and Samuel Thomas as Danielle and Tom, the loving couple fighting to protect the pups. With songs like “Litterbugs,” where puppies fly across the stage in charming chaos, the musical continues to delight audiences of all ages.
Of course, the real magic lies in the puppets — expertly designed by Jimmy Grimes and operated by a talented team that completely blurs the line between human and puppet. The result is a fully immersive experience that’s visually stunning and emotionally engaging from start to finish.
Even with a few narrative bumps and the occasional repetitive beat, the heart and humor of this show are impossible to deny. It’s bold, messy, magical fun — and as one reviewer put it, “no strings attached.”
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New Trailer and Limited Run
An all-new trailer has just been released for 101 Dalmatians The Musical at the Eventim Apollo. The show is currently running for a strictly limited six-week engagement, ending Saturday, 30 August 2025 — and the trailer offers a sneak peek at the visual wonder audiences can expect. Watch the trailer now and see why people are calling this one of the most entertaining shows of the year.
Behind the Curtain
This musical is based on Dodie Smith’s classic book, with music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge, book by Johnny McKnight, and stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris. It’s directed by Bill Buckhurst, with set design by David Woodhead, costumes by Sarah Mercadé, and choreography by Lucy Hind. The full creative team also includes:
- Alfonso Casado Trigo – Musical supervision
- Jack Hopkins – Orchestration
- Jimmy Grimes – Puppet design
- James Whiteside – Lighting design
- Chris Whybrow – Sound design
- Leigh Stanford Thompson – Musical director
- Lucy Casson – Casting director
- Blythe Stewart – Associate director
- Llandyll Gove – Associate choreographer
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of 101 Dalmatians or just looking for a night of live theatre that’s full of heart, humor, and a little villainy, Sydnie Christmas’s unforgettable Cruella and this wildly creative production are well worth the visit.
