If you had any taste in the 90s (or in the time after) you’ll have heard of Cruel Intentions. The 1999 film starred cool kids Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Philippe, Reese Witherspoon and Selma Blair, but somehow seemed to fly under the radar for many. But now, Cruel Intentions, the tale of deception, questionable sexual urges and the cultural zeitgeist of the 90s has been transformed into a rip-roaring musical, which opened at Manchester Palace Theatre last night (Tuesday 25th March).
Cruel Intentions sees step siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil engage in a cruel bet: Kathryn goads Sebastian into attempting to seduce Annette Hargrove, the headmaster’s virtuous daughter. Weaving a web of secrets and temptation, their crusade wreaks havoc on the students at their exclusive Manhattan high school.
It’s not long before the duo become entangled in their own web of deception and unexpected romance, with explosive results… The iconic movie is set to the decade’s best songs, creating an irresistible combination, in this incredible musical version – making it the ultimate 90s night out.
Cruel Intentions the Musical is an incredible feat, held together by dynamic duo Nic Myers and Will Callan as Kathryn and Sebastian, with insanely talented support from the likes of Abbie Budden as Annette, Lucy Carter as Cecile, and Luke Conner Hall as Blaine, plus a wildly mesmerising ensemble. With iconic 90s tunes from Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, TLC, R.E.M., Ace of Base, Natalie Imbruglia, The Verve Z, *NSYNC and so many more, the vocals on show are truly second to none – and the Manchester crowd couldn’t stop the toe-tapping.
Aside from the amazing soundtrack of offbeat 90s gems, the songs act as comic agents at times, with the audience desperate to know which banger will be coming next – and the timing doesn’t disappoint. With plenty of high points – particularly from the amazing Nic Myers, who takes on an emotionally charged, hugely memorable mash-up of countless songs from earlier in the show – there are also some truly touching moments, using song and dance effectively with palpable effect.
Through and through, though, Cruel Intentions the Musical is absolutely worth the hype, and stays particularly true to the original film – with its own little tweaks that make it work seamlessly on stage. Get your girls, and brace for some raunch, as Cruel Intentions the Musical is only at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday 29th March!
Find tickets here.