Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical – Review – Hull New Theatre
By Rachel Howard, May 2025
For those of a certain age (yes, that includes me), the 1999 film Cruel Intentions was a cult classic.
The romantic thriller, starring ‘90s starlets Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon, Selma Blair and Ryan Phillippe, was the epitome of cool. A sexy, risqué storyline, a glamorous cast and a soundtrack featuring some of the era’s biggest hits… it’s little wonder that in 2015, Roger Kumble, Lindsey Rosin and Jordan Ross decided to create a musical version.
Now, ten years on, the UK tour has reached Hull New Theatre, and I’m excited to see what ‘90s magic and nostalgia it can bring.
Loosely based on the 1782 French novel Liaisons Dangereuses by Pierre Choderlod de Laclos, the musical (and film) are a modern-day retelling of the story of two amoral lovers-turned-rivals, whose plans to ruin others ultimately lead them to ruin themselves.
Tonight, our amoral pair are Kathryn Merteuil, played by Nic Myers, and Sebastian Valmont, played by Will Callan. Kathryn and Sebastian are wealthy step siblings living a life of serious privilege on New York City’s Upper East Side. Bored by their oh-so easy spoilt lives, they develop a dark, twisted fascination with each other. Flirtatious, seductive and more than a little weird, they decide to spice things up when Kathryn bets Sebastian that he can’t sleep with wholesome virgin Annette Hargrove (Abbie Budden). It’s not a task he’s ever failed at before, and, arrogantly, he doesn’t believe this time will be any different. Kathryn, meanwhile, is furious with new girl Cecile Caldwell (Lucy Carter), whose innocent charms have managed to win over temptress Kathryn’s love interest, Ronald Clifford (Kevin Yates).
“Combine beautifully”
As something of a side note in the film, but a more prominent part in the musical, we also chart the “forbidden” homosexual love interest between Blaine Tuttle (Luke Connor Hall) and Greg McConnell (Joe Simmons). Blaine, the popular jock, finds himself with feelings for the camp, loveable Greg – but heaven forbid anyone finds out about Blaine’s true sexual identity.
Heartache abounds for all our lovelorn characters, whether they are genuinely in love, being manipulated, or having their hearts broken. It’s a tale as old as time – albeit one with a dark and seedy undertone. This musical has a 15+ rating, and it’s there for a reason. The themes are adult in nature, the language is colourful and the characters are certainly depraved. It’s a warped love story – you’ll either love it or hate it. For those who haven’t seen the film, I won’t spoil the ending, but the moral of the story should be something along the lines of “treat others how you want to be treated yourself”…
Personally, I love the story. It’s gritty and unusual and allows for great character development. I am however, left a little disappointed by certain aspects of this show. Although the production stays fiercely loyal to the film plotline, the first half is more comedy than drama, and unfunny comedy at that. I’m not sure why the creators felt the need to inject so much daft comedy into a romantic thriller. It often makes a mockery of the talent on stage. The second half is better, more thoughtful and measured, and allows the talent to really shine.
Speaking of which, Will Callan as Sebastian is my star of the show. His masculine, slightly gravelly voice is a joy to listen to, and his a cappella section of ‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls gives me goosebumps. The ensemble pieces are also highlights and I particularly enjoy the closing scene of the first act, as the main characters perform different songs that have featured in the first act, all at the same time. It sounds like it could be a disaster, but the harmonies combine beautifully and it leads into the interval on a high note. My favourite scene in the second half is at Penn Station, as a broken-hearted Annette looks to flee New York City. Kudos to Nick Richings, lighting director, who manages to elevate the simple set with clever lighting techniques, turning it into a bustling yet bleak commuter hub. This is also the setting for my favourite choreography of the night – repetitive, almost robotic moves, using the ensemble as objects, performed to the haunting ‘Colorblind’ by Counting Crows. It’s mesmerising.
“Energy and enthusiasm”
There are some songs, such as the aforementioned ‘Colorblind’ that absolutely belong in this production. Some are lifted straight from the film, others are added to give the musical more pizazz and flair. However, 27 songs in a two-hour performance (including interval) is just too much for me. I love musicals, and clearly, music is a key ingredient, but when songs are being shoehorned in for the sake of it, it leaves me a little cold.
That’s not to say the soundtrack isn’t great, my feet are tapping away to the likes of Ricky Martin’s ‘Livin’ La Vida Loca’, Christina Aguilera’s ‘Genie In A Bottle’, ‘Kiss Me’ by Sixpence None The Richer and ‘Torn’ by Natalie Imbruglia to name just a few. All are performed superbly by the cast, accompanied by the band, led by music director Will Joy, sitting high above the stage. I just wish we had a few less songs and a little more story.
I can’t fault the energy and enthusiasm of the cast, they are all wonderful in their roles, and do justice to the Hollywood stars of 1999. By the time the curtain comes down, the audience are getting to their feet for a high-energy finale that leaves everyone smiling.
Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical may be having something of an identity crisis… is it comedy? thriller? romance? – and it could certainly be improved by losing some of the silliness, but it is still a nostalgia-filled night of good entertainment that leaves audience members, including myself, reminiscing about the good old days of the ‘90s. What a time to be a teenager!
‘Cruel Intentions’ is at Hull New Theatre until 17th May
images: Pamela Raith Photography
After studying English at university and having a lifelong love of writing, Rachel, a full-time editor, came to On Yorkshire in 2017 where she started off reviewing theatre productions in and around the East Yorkshire area. That love of theatre soon expanded into hotels, restaurants and travel, not to mention becoming one of On Yorkshire’s resident beauty editors, reviewing the latest products, spas and treatments. Rachel loves to sample the very best Yorkshire and the UK have to offer in order to bring you the low down on the high life!
