Theatre Review: Cruel Intentions, The Other Palace - Rhianne-Louise is stunning in this roaringly funny adaptation.

Cast of Cruel Intentions, led by Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky. Image Credit: Pamela Raith

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If The Other Palace had a nickel for every time they put on a musical version of a cult classic movie from the 20th century, that people weren’t entirely sure would work but turns out to be a whole lot of fun, they’d have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot but it’s wild that it’s happened twice. 

This musical adaptation is brought to us by Jordan Ross, Lindsey Rosin, and creator of the 1999 film, Roger Kumble. There’s a risk when an adaptation is co-created with the person responsible for the source material that they’ll take the whole thing a bit too seriously. But that is not the case here in the slightest. Cruel Intentions is roaringly funny, the placements of the iconic 90s hits absolutely beat perfect, and so much of that humour comes from it not taking itself seriously at all. 

Many of the lines are lifted directly from the original film, and at times they do make efforts to amend some of the more problematic elements of the film. Of course they couldn’t amend all the problematic elements of the film however, because that would in fact be the entire film, but they do not shy away from poking fun at and parodying it - which is exactly what it needed to do to work. The one downside to this is that audience members who haven’t seen the original movie, might not get the exaggerated humour. Because it is acted big, it is farcical and it is camp the way Anna Wintour wanted the Met Gala to be when she said camp was the theme. 

Choreography and Associate Direction comes from Gary Lloyd - who is also responsible for the directing and choreography of Rehab the Musical that is also on right now - and he definitely has a distinctive style because you can feel his presence. His contemporary pop style with sharp shapes and loose-limbs works perfectly for the 90s setting. 

It is an extremely watchable cast - Rose Galbraith and Abbie Budden are making their professional debuts in this show as Cecile and Annette respectively, and they’re performances to be proud of. Barney Wilkinson and Josh Barnett are a total delight as Greg and Blaine, and their relationship drama to the sound of N*Sync’s Bye Bye Bye is quite the moment. 

Leading the cast as Kathryn and Sebastian are Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky and Daniel Bravo. Daniel exudes the charm and charisma of a teenage boy born into privilege, and there’s something of the Jacob Elordi in Saltburn about him. (Which, sidebar, Saltburn is just Cruel Intentions for the 21st century girls and gays, so if you liked that get yourself down to The Other Palace) But Rhianne-Louise is the absolute standout of this cast. Her performance is stellar. Kathryn is the worst, like she is manipulative and cruel and driven only by her own need to win. It takes a special kind of performer to take a character like that and make you almost root for her to succeed just so you can see more, and Rhianne-Louise is that performer. 

At its core, this show is just a whole lot of fun. From the revolving stage that adds a dynamism to the whole show, to the instantly recognisable 90s hits, wickedly funny lines, and a (audio only) cameo that’ll have any 90s kid absolutely gagged, it’s a night out that’ll leave you with a smile on your face. 

Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical is running at The Other Palace Tuesday-Sunday until 14th April. Matinees Thursday and Saturdays. Tickets available from £25.50.