Although an avid movie-goer, the 1999 cinema release of Cruel Intentions, passed me by, so when the musical of the same name came to the Hull New Theatre, I had no clue of what to expect.
The theatre was filled far from capacity on Tuesday evening, which was a shame, but those of us who did attend were in for a treat.
The many trigger warnings in the press release hinted at themes that may upset some folk, and although “explicit sexual language and behaviour, racial discrimination and drug usage” did raise their ugly heads, I can honestly say they didn’t overshadow proceedings, meaning such events came and went and then we were on to the next scene.
That’s not to minimise such gross deeds, but they were so cleverly interwoven as to seem unimportant, if that makes sense.
Based on the film and inspired by Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the 1782 novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, the story centres around spoilt, rich step-siblings, Sebastian Valmont (Will Callan) and Kathryn Merteuil (Nic Myers).
Both Manhattan High School teenagers exude confidence as only the very rich can. Neither are any strangers to sex; and in Sebastian’s case it’s with who he wants, when he wants.
Getting dumped by her love interest, Ronald Clifford (Kevin Yates), doesn’t go down well with Kathryn. And when she finds out who she’s been dumped for, well, hell hath no fury than a posh brat scorned.
The focus of her hatred is young, gauche Cecile Caldwell (Lucy Carter), whose mum Bunny (Gabriella Williams) has hired young Ronald to teach her daughter how to play the cello.
Their new romance is only one part of the on-stage liaisons which included a “secret`’, rude and amusing homosexual relationship between Blaine (Luke Conner Hall) and Greg (Joe Simmons).
The cruelty comes into play when Kathryn bets her louche half-brother that he won’t be able to bed virtuous new girl, headmaster’s daughter, Annette Hargrove (Abbie Budden).
He accepts the bet, but oh my goodness, it leads to headache, heartache, sadness, realisation, sexual awakening, anger and eventual tragedy.
And the final scene proves that karma is a wonderful thing.
But there is comedy aplenty. Blaine and Greg’s shenanigans provided many a laugh, and young Cecile’s introduction to sex was very funny. She turned out to be a very willing pupil!
All the action takes place on a stage enclosed with oblong frames which changed colour and lighting at times, against a backdrop of New York, the city in which everything takes place.
Props were few and far between – a chaise long, a bench and a rug spring to mind. The aforementioned frames did a great job changing the atmosphere when needed.
On a raised platform either side of the Big Apple scenes, sat the musicians who did magnificent work playing equally magnificent tunes throughout, under the direction of Will Joy. The first one being Ricky Martin’s Livin’ La Vida Loca which got us all singing along. Fantastic music followed with hits from Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, T`LC, R.E.M, Natalie Imbruglia, Ace of Base and The Verve to name just a few.
Singing voices did justice to the above. Callan’s rich, tuneful voice reverberated around the theatre, as did the higher voices of Myers and Budden. Myers emotional and very loud rendition of Only Happy When It Rains was a highlight, while Budden’s oft reflective and sometimes quieter tones were just as effective. Carter’s singing voice, made us smile and perfectly reflected her personality.
But all voices, talking and singing, were loud and clear, and the full-on dancing added to the buzz.
Although set in the 90s, costumes weren’t that much different from today – casual jeans, tops, joggers etc, plus school uniforms.
The energetic cast of Cruel Intentions the Musical, directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, were so enthusiastic, each giving 100% every minute they were on stage, that the aforementioned distasteful (to some) themes, although never hidden, just faded into the ether.
There was nothing to be really critical about with this production. So at the finale, we in the audience didn’t hesitate to rise to our feet to sing along with the group of talented performers who had kept us entertained all night.
Reviewer: Jackie Foottit
Reviewed: 13th May 2025
North West End UK Rating: