Fresh off her victory on Britain’s Got Talent, Sydnie Christmas is back on stage—and this time, she’s terrifying. In the newly released trailer for 101 Dalmatians: The Musical, Christmas emerges as a bold new Cruella de Vil, and it’s clear within seconds that this is no campy reprise of the classic Disney villain. From guttural growls to chilling laughs and pitch-perfect high notes, her portrayal is commanding and unnerving in equal measure.
Currently running at the Eventim Apollo in London through 30 August 2025, this new stage adaptation of Dodie Smith’s beloved story brings together puppetry, original music, and a talented ensemble cast. But it’s Christmas’s transformation into Cruella that has sparked the most conversation. Her entrance in the trailer—delivered with quiet menace and explosive control—left some audience members gasping during early performances, a reaction not commonly seen in family musicals.
Directed by Bill Buckhurst and written by Johnny McKnight, this musical takes a slightly darker, more theatrical turn than previous adaptations. The score, composed by Douglas Hodge, supports that tone. The songs aren’t lifted from the Disney animated classic but are instead original to the production. This choice gives performers like Christmas the creative freedom to reinvent their characters from the ground up.
Christmas’s background makes her an especially compelling Cruella. Best known for her emotionally rich vocals and breakout performance of “My Way” on Britain’s Got Talent, she carries both musical power and stage presence. That said, stepping into the shoes of a villain as iconic—and specific—as Cruella de Vil is no small task. Previous versions, especially the 1961 Disney film and Glenn Close’s 1996 live-action interpretation, leaned heavily into caricature. Here, Christmas opts for something more theatrical and psychological.
Rather than relying on over-the-top costume or slapstick menace, she internalizes Cruella’s madness and ambition. Her delivery—whether snarling at Jasper or mocking the dogs with a devilish giggle—is measured but intense. And when she sings, the contrast between her polished voice and Cruella’s chaotic nature adds a layer of dissonance that’s surprisingly effective.
The rest of the cast rounds out the production with energy and charisma. Jeff Brazier, in his stage debut as Casper, and Aston Merrygold of JLS as Jasper bring warmth and comedic timing. Linford Johnson (Pongo) and Emma Thornett (Perdi) play the protective canine parents with heart, while the ensemble handles complex choreography and puppet work with polish.
101 Dalmatians: The Musical has roots in the 2022 Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production and has since evolved with a larger cast and enhanced staging. With choreography by Lucy Hind and puppets designed by Jimmy Grimes, the visual elements match the boldness of the performances.
For Sydnie Christmas, this role marks another career-defining moment—one that proves she’s more than a reality TV champion. Her take on Cruella de Vil is not only vocally strong, but psychologically grounded, giving the iconic villain a new dimension in this reimagined classic.
