| 101 Dalmatians | |
| Music: | Douglas Hodge |
| Lyrics: | Douglas Hodge |
| Productions: | 2022 London 2024 UK tour |
| Premiere Date: | 12 July 2022 |
| Premiere Location: | Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, London |
| Subtitle: | The Musical |
101 Dalmatians is a musical with music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge and a book by Johnny McKnight from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris, based on the 1956 children's novel The Hundred and One Dalmatians by Dodie Smith. It is the second musical based on the book, following 2009's The 101 Dalmatians Musical. Like with the earlier musical, it has no direct relation to Disney's 101 Dalmatians franchise.
The musical was originally announced to premiere at the Open Air Theatre in Regent's Park (which is where the story is set) from 16 May to 21 June 2020, with an official opening night on 27 May. Kate Fleetwood was cast to play Cruella de Vil.[1] The production was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was later rescheduled to run from 26 May to 20 June 2021 with previews beginning on 15 May.[2] The 2021 run of the production was cancelled in January due to the continued COVID-19 restrictions.[3]
The musical premiered at the Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, with previews beginning on 12 July 2022 and an official opening on 21 July. It ran until 28 August.[4]
The production was directed by Timothy Sheader and choreographed by Liam Steel, with set design by Colin Richmond, costumes by Katrina Linsdsay, and puppetry design and direction by Toby Olié.[5] In March 2022, the full cast was revealed, including Kate Fleetwood as Cruella de Vil.[6]
A re-imagined production of the musical began a UK tour at the New Wimbledon Theatre on 22 June 2024, with Kym Marsh and Faye Tozer alternating playing Cruella de Vil; the tour is be directed by Bill Buckhurst.[7]