Coronation Street star Kym Marsh has announced her new leading role as Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians the musical.
Written by Douglas Hodge, whose acting credits include Joker, Catastrophe and The Great, from Zinnie Harris’s stage adaptation of Dodie Smith’s classic book, the story sees twisted fashionista Cruella plotting to turn Dalmatian puppies into a fur coat.
Launching at the New Wimbledon Theatre on June 22, where it runs for a week, the show will then travel to cities including Birmingham, Manchester, Newcastle, Dublin, Liverpool, Cardiff and Aberdeen. A full list of confirmed tour dates follows at the end of this article.
“I’m over the moon to be joining the cast of 101 Dalmatians playing the iconic Cruella De Vil, has there ever been a more fabulous baddie?!” said Marsh in a statement.
“Obviously she’s a million miles away from me in real life – and my dogs are very glad about that – but being able to bring to life my take on this renowned character is a real treat.
“Douglas and Johnny [McKnight] have written this brilliant new musical filled with songs I’m already finding myself humming under my breath,” Marsh continued.
“The 101 Dalmatians story spans generations and I’m sure young and old alike will absolutely love this production.”
The Waterloo Road and Strictly Come Dancing favourite is in prestigious company playing the character Cruella, following Emma Stone and Glenn Close’s beloved big-screen incarnations.
Speaking to Vanity Fair about her portrayal of the iconic villain, Close revealed of her inspiration: “I had grown [up] with great Disney animated features. I was very aware of the value of witches in fairytales… To be asked to be a Disney witch, which is what Cruella is, was thrilling to me.
“I had a wonderful vocal coach for Cruella, and I loved Joanna Lumley’s accent in Absolutely Fabulous. My coach knows her, and she had that very clipped way of talking.”
