A beloved classic Disney film has been turned into a spectacular musical production, and it’s heading out on a UK tour this summer.
And of course, the new 101 Dalmatians stage show will be making a stop off to visit us here in Manchester.
Originally a novel written by Dodie Smith all the way back in 1956, first turned into an animated film by Walt Disney Productions a few years later in 1961, and then most-notably remade as a live-action movie by Disney again starring Glenn Close, Jeff Daniels, and Joely Richardson in 1996, 101 Dalmatians is tale known by millions worldwide.
It tells the story of an evil heiress named Cruella de Vil who decides to make a fur coat for herself out of the skins of Dalmatian puppies, but when teals a litter of 15 puppies, it’s up to their parents to rescue the innocent pups.
As well as the original animated film and the first live-action remake, the story of 101 Dalmatians has also been continued on with a number of sequel films and several spin-off TV shows, as well as through a recent new reimagining in 2021, titled Cruella, starring Emma Stone as the infamous title character.
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But while the story may be a familiar tale to millions across the world, never has been told quite like this before.
A musical version of 101 Dalmatians is coming to Manchester next year / Credit: Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre
With a book by Johnny McKnight, and music and lyrics composed and written by Douglas Hodge, this new musical that’s heading out on a tour of the UK tour in 2024 comes from a stage adaptation by Zinnie Harris, and is being reimagined from what was the critically-acclaimed Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production back in 2022.
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The story is brought to life on stage with spectacular puppetry, show-stopping choreography, hilarious songs, and, of course, irresistible puppies.
It’s now been announced that Kym Marsh will star as Cruella De Vil, with the remaining cast and creative team to be announced in the coming months.
Kym wrote: “I’ve got a tail-wagging announcement for you so lock up your puppies.. Cruella has arrived!
“I’m so excited to reveal I will be starring as the greatest villain of them all, Cruella De Vil, in the smash-hit musical, 101 Dalmatians!”
101 Dalmatians The Musical is kicking off its 2024 UK with a launch in Wimbledon, before visiting several other major cities such as Birmingham, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Liverpool, Cardiff, Glasgow, and so many more.
Robbie Williams announces extra Manchester date next summer following ‘huge demand’
Danny Jones
British pop royalty Robbie Williams has just announced another massive Manchester date coming next summer after a “huge” ticket scramble for the first date.
The former boy band favourite turned chart-topping solo star is back at the forefront of the public consciousness once again after revealing the trailer for his upcoming biopic that has caught plenty of people’s attention.
Set to release on Boxing Day 2024, we think it’s fair to say this is no ordinary retelling of a famous musician’s career as it will see Williams reimagined as a CGI monkey, with Robbie lending his voice for the singing and narration sections.
As if that recent unveiling wasn’t eye-catching enough, the 50-year-old has followed it with the sudden announcement of a huge European tour, where it has now been confirmed that songs from the Better Man film will be played along with some new music “coming soon.”
Due to huge demand, the mighty @robbiewilliams has just announced a second date here at Co-op Live, 10 June 2025.
Unsurprisingly, the first Manchester show sold out in a flash. Sharing details of what will now be 30 sensational dates, Robbie said in an official statement: “This tour is going to be my boldest yet – I can’t wait to see you next year.”
He also went on to add, “There will be songs from the movie Better Man and some new music too…but more on that soon.”
Although it’s unclear whether this is the first hint at what would be his 13th studio LP, with previous records including everything from the bread-and-butter pop that made him a household name, to swing, old-world big band covers and even a Christmas album.
Williams’ last outing was the XXV greatest hits compilation album, marking 25 years of his highly successful solo career since leaving fellow 90s icons Take That, who he returned to for a short spell after 15 years back in 2010 before parting ways once again.
He’s also roped in some Northern help from none other than Leigh’s very own The Lottery Winners for all dates but one, meaning the Manc vibes will be immaculate. Huge for the much-loved local band.
Known for his legendary live shows, Robbie Williams is considered one of the UK’s greatest entertainers of all time and previously held the Guinness World record for feats such as selling more than 1.6 million tickets in a single day, not to mention playing to over 375,000 across three nights at Knebworth.
Put it this way, this second show will be in just as high demand as the first and will sell out quicker than you say ‘Rock DJ’.
Now set to play Manchester and make his Co-op Live debut on 10 and 11 June, fans can secure early access to tickets for the ‘Live 2025’ tour by pre-ordering the Better Man movie soundtrack or by downloading the Co-op Members app.
General admission for Robbie Williams’ Manchester dates and all other UK and Ireland gigs are already live so you best be quick about it.
Given his connection to this city, this is as close to a homecoming show as you’re going to get until he headlines Stoke one of these days, so you don’t want to miss it. Grab your tickets HERE.
Hacienda Classical announces record-breaking show at Castlefield Bowl next summer
Emily Sergeant
Hacienda Classical is set to make yet another triumphant return to the historic Castlefield Bowl next summer.
Manchester’s iconic celebration will mark its record-breaking ninth appearance at the Sounds of the City festival when it arrives in the city centre next July, and will once again be captivating local audiences and travelling fans alike.
In case you’re unfamiliar with the groundbreaking musical project, Hacienda Classical fuses a unique blend of classic dance tracks and orchestral arrangements, with the unmatched spirit of the legendary Hacienda, garnering rave reviews from critics and fans along the way.
Resident DJ Graeme Park carefully curates a selection of iconic anthems from the late 1980s and early 1990s, which are then reimagined with orchestral arrangements by the Manchester Camerata Orchestra.
The not-to-be-missed experience featuring powerful vocals and special guests has sold out multiple shows at prestigious venues worldwide.
At next year’s Castlefield Bowl date, the voice of M People, Heather Small, will join the show, along with house legends K-Klass performing a full live set, while DJ Paulette and Tom Wainwright also join as resident DJs for the night.
Curator Graeme Park will also take to the decks before the show too.
“I am already beyond excited that Hacienda Classical is returning to Castlefield Bowl in the heart of Manchester for the ninth time,” Graeme Park said.
“No other live act has performed so many times at this superb outdoor venue and it’s an honour to be part of this incredible journey that is now a major highlight in my diary and yours too. I can’t wait to bring the love next July.”
Hacienda Classical returns to Sounds of the City at Castlefield Bowl on Saturday 5 July 2025, and tickets officially go on general sale this Friday (8 November) at 10am.
Emily Sergeant -
19th October 2023 
