Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical – Palace Theatre

Having not seen the source material for this production – the 1999 hit teen film Cruel Intentions – I had limited understanding of what was in store for me with the theatrical production of Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical. The stage adaptation had been met with a lukewarm critical response since its debut in 2015, and understandably so. It’s clear to see what the intention of this production was, but the execution left a lot to be desired.

Let’s start with the storyline: the story follows vindictive stepsiblings Kathryn and Sebastian, who have somewhat of a Freudian infatuation with each other. This dangerous duo makes a cruel pact that Sebastian must seduce fellow classmate – the virginal Annette – which triggers a series of dark and dangerous events that foreshadows the rest of the piece.

While the juxtaposition of the serious story with the light-hearted audience enjoyment of a good jukebox musical could – in theory – have worked well for this show, I felt that it was too much of a stretch. The storyline was unable to build up enough character depth for the audience to be emotionally invested in the characters, while the song selection was (for me) more a miss than a hit. In some instances, it was too much of a transition for the classically trained musical theatre actors, who audibly struggled to shift their voices from the booming ballads they’re used to performing, to the sweeter-than-sweet bubble gum pop.

Although this jukebox musical shoehorns as many 90s hits as possible into the 1 hour 55 minute running time, the soundtrack wasn’t the only thing that was ushered into the production that ought to have been reconsidered. It seems that the Director Jonathan O’Boyle made the questionable decision to keep in the script a peppering of homophobic, racist and ableist remarks – sure, they were in keeping with the atmosphere of the 90s, but the inclusion of these slapdash comments just didn’t land with the modern audience.

In addition, the theatrical elements that can really elevate a production – anything that builds up the mise-en-scène, like lights, sound, costume and sets design – were lacklustre at best. More was needed from Set Designer Polly Sullivan to immerse the audience in the opulent decadence of Manhattan’s elite than a few chandeliers and a chaise lounge or two. Likewise, Costume Supervisor Robin Lill could have done much more with the wardrobes of master seducer Sebastian and his minxy would-be mistress Kathryn to bring these characters (and their deviant personalities) to life.

Setting aside the numerous issues with the production itself, the cast themselves were immensely talented, and delivered their roles with gusto. Leading man Will Callan’s portrayal of serial heartbreaker Sebastian was performed with a brooding presence, so reminiscent of screen actor Robert Pattinson that it was hard not to draw parallels to the character of Edward Cullen from the Twilight franchise. His leading lady Kathryn was played spectacularly by Nic Myers, who was every inch the seductive sex siren hiding more than cruel intentions. Much-needed humour was delivered in abundance by the characters of Cecile and Blaine, played spectacularly by Lucy Carter and Luke Conner Hall respectively.

All in all, this show is too fatally flawed for critical acclaim – but if you’re a fan of the film, and you’re looking for some 90s nostalgia, this show will give you both in buckets.

Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is playing at Manchester’s Palace Theatre from Tuesday 25th to Saturday 29th March 2025. https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/palace-theatre-manchester/

Reviewer: Hannah Wilde

Reviewed: 25th March 2025

North West End UK Rating: