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.
Tame Impala announces another HUGE Manchester gig after chart-topping success
Emily Sergeant
Tame Impala has announced another UK and EU tour in 2027 to celebrate recent chart-topping success.
Following sold-out runs across the globe in 2025 and 2026 – including here in Manchester – and currently in the midst of a North American arena tour, Tame Impala has announced a new run of dates for next year – with a mix of headline and festival appearances.
The announcement arrives as Kevin Parker – better known by his project name, Tame Impala – continues an extraordinary run with his latest studio album Deadbeat, released last year.
On Deadbeat, Parker aimed to sculpt a collection of ‘wickedly potent’ club-psych explorations as a vehicle for some of his most direct, ear-wormy songwriting to date.
Tame Impala has announced another huge Manchester gig after chart-topping success / Credit: Julian Klincewicz (Supplied)
After recently being featured in the new Marvel film, Spiderman: Brand New Day, the lead single from the album, ‘Loser’, has just hit number one on the Global Spotify chart.
Not only that, but the remix of the hit song ‘Dracula’, featuring JENNIE, also remains in the top 10 on various global charts, and the original version has also nominated for Best Alternative at the 2026 MTV Video Music Awards.
Critics described this most recent run of gigs as ‘one of the best live shows of the year’, so it only makes sense that he’d be back for more.
Kicking off on 28 May 2027 in here in Manchester, Tame Impala will be taking to the Co-op Live stage once again, before heading down to the capital for two nights at The O2 on 1 and 2 June, and then popping over to Paris, Rotterdam, and Cologne to.
Wet Leg will open all headlining dates next year, including here in Manchester.
Tickets go on sale this week, with Co-op Member Presale kicking off at 9am on Wednesday (26 August), followed by General Sale also at 9am on Friday (28 August).
A reimagined dance music celebration is coming to Manchester later this year
Thomas Melia
Get ready to hear some of the biggest anthems in dance music, reimagined and given an orchestral transformation right here in Manchester city centre.
Powerhouse music business Ministry of Sound has been uplifting and promoting dance music through its varied and electric live events for over three decades.
Now, it’s putting an all-new take on all your favourite dancefloor fillers that have been released over the past 30 years with a 31-piece orchestra, a whole team of vocalists and a stacked setlist.
Expect to hear the likes of Fatboy Slim with his huge tune ‘Right Here, Right Now’ alongside Darude’s standout hit ‘Sandstorm’, as performed by a live orchestral arrangement and light production.
After receiving a great reception at major music settings like Gone Wild, The Big Feastival and Silverstone Festival, paired with a sold-out show at the Royal Albert Hall, this all-new live show now visits the music capital of the North.
Of course, it’s only fitting that Manchester gets the chance to experience this innovative twist on classics and anthems, considering the city’s vibrant club contributions like the Madchester scene and legendary music institution the Hacienda.
Now, dance, house and trance spanning the past 30 years come together courtesy of the Ministry of Sound Classical, playing out across UK locations like Brighton, Newcastle and Birmingham, as well as Manchester.
The show is playing out at city-centre gig hotspot O2 Apollo, and is about to teach 3,500 Mancunians dance music history through a dance-meets-orchestra concert like no other.
This live music extravaganza is organised and led by dance music pioneers Ministry of Sound, who developed and defined the 1990s house music scene in London and across the country.
Ministry of Sound Classical is heading to O2 Apollo in Manchester on Friday 18 December with tickets and more information available HERE.
Featured Image – Press Shot (Supplied via Ministry of Sound)
Emily Sergeant -
19th October 2023 
