Kym Marsh to Play Cruella De Vil at Newcastle Theatre Royal
Actor, singer and presenter Kym Marsh will play the iconic villain Cruella de Vil in a new musical version of Dodie Smith’s classic book 101 Dalmatians; which will be visiting Newcastle Theatre Royal (Tue 27 Aug – Sun 1 Sep 2024).
Written by Douglas Hodge (music and lyrics) and Johnny McKnight (book), with a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris, this classic canine caper is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs and irresistible puppies!
Kym Marsh is no stranger to the Newcastle Theatre Royal stage having wowed audiences with her portrayal of bunny boiler Alex Forest in the nationwide tour of the thriller Fatal Attraction in 2022 before returning, alongside her daughter Emily, in the summer of 2023 to lead the cast in the smash-hit Take Take musical Greatest Days.
Kym Marsh arrived on British TV screens back in 2000 appearing on the hit reality TV show Popstars and winning a place in the band Hear'Say. The band achieved two UK number-one singles and a number-one album - and Kym went on to pursue a successful career as a solo artist.
She went on to star in London’s West End, playing the role of Annette in the critically acclaimed musical Saturday Night Fever and appeared in BBC One’s Doctors as well as Channel 4’s Hollyoaks: In The City before joining the cast of ITV’s Coronation Street in the role of Michelle Connor in 2006. During 14 years on Britain's famous cobbles, she won a string of prestigious awards for her work.
Since then, she has appeared in hit BBC One drama The Syndicate and currently can be seen on BBC One’s continuing drama Waterloo Road, where she plays the role of Nicky Walters.
Kym Marsh said: “I’m over the moon to be joining the cast of 101 Dalmatians playing the iconic Cruella De Vil! Being able to bring to life my take on this renowned character is a real treat. Douglas and Johnny have written this brilliant new musical filled with songs I’m already finding myself humming under my breath. The 101 Dalmatians story spans generations and I'm sure young and old alike will absolutely love this production."
When fashionista Cruella de Vil plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of adorable, tail-wagging young pups.
101 Dalmatians the Musical is directed by Bill Buckhurst, with sets designed by David Woodhead, costumes designed by Sarah Mercadé and choreography by Lucy Hind. Musical supervision is from Alfonso Casado Trigo, orchestration by Jack Hopkins, the puppets are designed by Jimmy Grimes, with lighting by James Whiteside and sound design from Chris Whybrow. The musical director is Leigh Thompson, and casting director is Lucy Casson.
101 Dalmatians the Musical plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 27 Aug – Sun 1 Sep 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.
