REVIEW: CRUEL INTENTIONS @ PRINCESS THEATRE TORQUAY

🎭 Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical

📍 Princess Theatre, Torbay Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 5EZ   

🗓 Tuesday 10th June 2025

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NUTTY NINETIES NOSTALGIA

Based on the iconic film of the same name and packed full of mega 90s hits, CRUEL INTENTIONS has arrived at Torquay's Princess Theatre where it's playing until Saturday, and is definitely not one for the easily offended!

The film was a cult hit when it was released, dividing audiences with its controversial and dark themes. It's very much of its time and a modern audience could easily take umbrage with the connotations and the language used, although warnings are given! Most of the audience though are undoubtably fans of the film and will be aware of the content.

Kathryn bets her step-brother Sebastian that he can't bed the virginal daughter of their high-school headteacher. If he loses, she gets his car. If he wins, he gets the ultimate prize.... Kathryn! One thing's for sure, the terrible twosome will stop at nothing to get their way, using manipulation and their bodies to help them reign supreme. But what happens when you fall in love with a conquest, or when your private journal becomes the latest must-read?

The show is overflowing with 90s anthems, and seems to make fun of itself and the entire genre of film to stage adaptations. Whenever a song starts, the audience laughs because, in the best possible way, they're really random! They don't necessarily drive the plot along as you'd expect, but they do fit the story well and are performed brilliantly.

Indeed, what I loved about this musical is that it doesn't take itself too seriously at all. It's a good story, well told, with some absolute bangers thrown in so what's not to love? There are a couple of deeper moments in the second act, but there isn't much character development. However, I don't think that necessarily matters here. The show doesn't try to be anything other than what it is and if you accept it for that, then you'll have a great time.

What really makes CRUEL INTENTIONS stand out for me is the phenomenal cast. Nic Myers was sexy and seductive as the wickedly manipulative Kathyrn and she blew the roof off the theatre with her sensational vocals. Her rendition of Bitch was a personal favourite of mine. Will Callan gave a laid back performance of the self-assured Sebastian which fit the character perfectly. He was believable as his mindset transitioned through the story.

Abbie Budden nails the naive girl next door vibe as Annette and displays gloriously powerful vocals while Lucy Carter is an absolute dream as Cecile. Her comic timing is impeccable and the way she manages to root the absurdity in reality is incredible.

Amongst all the amazing performances, Luke Conner Hall stole the show for me as Blaine. He was illustriously camp, his energy was intoxicating and his vocals were stratospheric. With Joe Simmons as Greg, they created some of the best bits of the show.

This was a real ensemble piece, with every member of the cast pulling their weight. I enjoyed Gabriella Williams playing the grown-ups, which seemed to be a commentary on the fact that in all the 90s films and TV shows the adults and the kids seem to be played by actors of the same age! Also the in-joke of featuring the Dawson's Creek theme song was not lost on me.

There were some production elements which let the show down slightly for me. The lighting design was very boring and uninspired and the set was like a copy and paste of every other set from BKL! I would have liked to have seen more members in the live band as this would have added more depth to the music.

These small niggles aside, CRUEL INTENTIONS is undeniably a hit. I've already booked a return viewing this week! if you want to catch the show while it's in Torquay the click here to head to the Princess Theatre website and book tickets.

Neill Kovacic-Clarke

All views are my own and I pride myself on being honest, fair and free from influence. Theatre is subjective and it is important to remember that all views expressed are just those of one reviewer.  

My ticket for this performance of Cruel Intentions was gifted by the Princess Theatre who invited me to watch the show in exchange for my honest review. The fact that my ticket was gifted played no part in the content of my review or the star rating given.

CAST LIST:

Nic Myers as Kathryn Merteuil; Will Callan as Sebastian Valmont; Abbie Budden as Annette Hargrove; Lucy Carter as Cecile Caldwell / Marci Greenbaum; Luke Conner Hall as Blaine Tuttle; Joe Simmons as Greg McConnell; Gabriella Williams as Mrs Bunny Caldwell / Dr Greenbaum; Kevin Yates as Ronald Clifford; Olivia Brooks as Ensemble; Ben Fenwick as Ensemble / Court Reynolds; Sophie Hutchinson as Ensemble; Onuri Smith as Ensemble

RUN TIME (approx):

2 hours 5 minutes, including interval

CONTENT WARNINGS:

Haze; Flashing lights; Strong language: Mature themes; Explicit sexual language and behaviour; Racial discrimination; Drug usage; Abuse; Accidental death; Question of consent.

Audience discretion advised. As Cruel Intentions is set in 1999, some of the language reflects that time.