REVIEW: THE ONE HUNDERED AND ONE DALMATIONS

Lyndhurst Drama and Musical Society

Vernon Theatre, Lyndhurst

THIS stage adaptation follows the story of two Dalmatians, Pongo (Helen Young) and Missis (Lauren Phillips), who start a family, only to have their joy shattered when the evil Cruella de Vil (Di Buck) steals their offspring to turn into fur coats.

Phillips and Young were an impressive pair, interacting well and striking a balance as they switched from pets to sentient hounds, in hot pursuit of their pups. The duo were helped along their way by a series of canine and feline friends, finally reaching the hall where their (and other’s) little ones were imprisoned by the thoroughly nasty Saul (Mike Watson) and Jasper (Rupert Bogarde), who provided bungling comedy value to the proceedings. Their badness was superseded by the wicked Cruella, who exuded vile malevolence whenever present on stage. Happily, the quest was successful and the family were reunited with their brood, who were great fun and personified puppyish, and Cruella was defeated.

An enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

Rebecca Case