Sydnie Christmas to Star as Cruella de Vil in 101 Dalmatians The Musical at the Eventim Apollo

Stage and Screen Star Joins Cast for Limited Summer Run in London

Sydnie Christmas, winner of Britain’s Got Talent, will take on the iconic role of Cruella de Vil in the West End transfer of 101 Dalmatians The Musical, opening at London’s Eventim Apollo on 18 July 2025 for a strictly limited six-week run through 30 August 2025.

The production arrives in London following a successful UK tour and marks a return to the London stage for Christmas, whose powerful vocals and commanding stage presence have captivated audiences on both sides of the Atlantic.

“I can’t wait to sink my teeth into this iconic character,” said Christmas. “There’s a bit of me that I see in Cruella, so I’m excited to see her evolve.

From BGT Champion to Leading Lady

Sydnie Christmas rose to fame in 2024 when her audition singing “Tomorrow” from Annie earned a Golden Buzzer and over 40 million views across social media. Her self-arranged version of “My Way” and show-stopping final performance of “Over the Rainbow” secured her the series win. Since then, she has released a chart-topping debut album (My Way), performed at the Royal Variety Performance, and appeared at the Hollywood Bowl alongside Michael Bublé, Andrea Bocelli, and Jennifer Hudson.

She made her professional theatre debut in Lazarus – The David Bowie Musical and recently starred in Starlight Express in Germany.

About the Production

Based on Dodie Smith’s beloved children’s novel, 101 Dalmatians The Musical features music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge and a book by Johnny McKnight, adapted from a stage version by Zinnie Harris. The show first premiered at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in 2022 and brings the tale of Pongo, Perdi, and their mischievous puppies to life with spectacular puppetry, original songs, and playful choreography.

When Cruella de Vil plots to kidnap every Dalmatian puppy in town to make a luxury fur coat, chaos ensues. The musical promises family fun, visual spectacle, and a reimagining of a timeless story for the stage.

Creative Team

• Director: Bill Buckhurst (Sister Act, The Time Traveller’s Wife)

• Set Design: David Woodhead

• Costume Design: Sarah Mercadé

• Choreography: Lucy Hind

• Musical Supervision: Alfonso Casado Trigo

• Orchestration: Jack Hopkins

• Lighting Design: James Whiteside

• Sound Design: Chris Whybrow

• Puppet Design: Jimmy Grimes

• Musical Director: Leigh Stanford Thompson

• Casting Director: Lucy Casson

Performance and Ticket Information

• Venue: Eventim Apollo, 45 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9QH

• Dates: 18 July – 30 August 2025

• Gala Performance: Thursday 24 July, 7pm

• Running Time: 2 hrs 10 mins (including interval)

• Age Guidance: 5+

Weekly Schedule:

• Wednesday: 2.30pm

• Thursday: 2.30pm & 7pm

• Friday: 7pm

• Saturday: 1pm & 5.30pm

• Sunday: 1pm & 5.30pm

• Additional performances: Tuesday 26 August at 2.30pm & 7pm

Access Performances:

• Audio Described: Wednesday 13 August, 2.30pm

• BSL Interpreted: Wednesday 20 August, 2.30pm

• Captioned: Thursday 21 August, 7pm

A Bold, Family-Friendly Summer Highlight

With a celebrated creative team, an instantly recognisable title, and a breakout star at its centre, 101 Dalmatians The Musical is set to become a major theatrical event this summer. Sydnie Christmas’s West End return as Cruella de Vil promises a performance full of flair, drama, and show-stealing style. Early booking is strongly recommended.