This new musical, inspired by the 1999 film of the same name, itself inspired by Les Liaisons dangereuses (and its film versions Dangerous Liaisons and Valmont) is a 90s jukebox, and as much has a lot in common with & Juliet.
That’s where the comparison stops, however. You can’t really get past the fact that sexual coertion in a modern school setting will always be problematic, and so there is no way Sebastian (Daniel Bravo) and Kathryn (Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky) will be likeable and sympathetic leads.
I know that the idea of the sexy devil has been around in both cinema and musical theatre for many years, and put against a strong idea it can work well to convert audiences to the side of the wicked.
With little or no character development – the film’s dialogue is to blame – and the shoehorning in of songs which feels sadly more cringe than clever, Cruel Intentions instead asks us to laugh at d*ck jokes and sexual assault.
Both Cecile (an energetic Rose Galbraith) and Annette (a sweet Abbie Budden) are victims, albeit enthusiastic ones. But he’s just isn’t worth it, ladies.
I couldn’t get pleasure out of Cecile recounting Sebastian’s moves on her without her informed consent, and while the original play is about sexual power, the execution here was more cheap thrills than erotic domination.
A gay couple, Blaine (Josh Barnett) and Greg (Barney Wilkinson) are included but underused, despite strong performances, and Bravo’s Sebastian Valmont himself doesn’t get the chance to be much more than style over substance.
The 90s tunes chosen are sometimes very good, especially in the stronger act two. There are some slickly choreographed set pieces (by Gary Lloyd), and McCaulsky’s Kathryn, in particular, has jaw-dropping vocals.
Set in front of the New York skyline with a stage revolve and some rich prop dressing, Cruel Intentions looks the part throughout, although a couple of scene transitions felt laboured.
Some properties just don’t lend themselves to musicalisation without care or reason. And although I was open to the idea and wanted to like this, sadly, whatever the intention, this is more crass than Cruel.
Cruel Intentions continues at The Other Palace until 14 Apr with tickets here.
**.5
Image credit: Pamela Raith