A musical with dangerous liaisons
In May, audiences at Leeds Grand Theatre can enjoy a blend of teenage intrigue and sensational pop songs as the hit show Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical comes to Leeds on its first UK tour. Diane Parkes caught up with the cast members to chat about what it’s like to take a blockbuster from screen to stage with added ’90s bangers.
Written by Diane Parkes
A cruel introduction
Based on the blockbuster nineties film Cruel Intentions, the show tells the tale of step-siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil, who make a bet that Sebastian can seduce Annette Hargrove, the headmaster’s daughter.
With nineties pop classics from Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, TLC, R.E.M., Ace of Base, No Doubt, Natalie Imbruglia and The Verve, the musical has been a hit in London and New York before hitting the road in the UK this year.
Nic Myers performing with other cast members of Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical. Credit: Pamela Raith.
Abbie Budden
Abbie Budden played Annette in the London production last year and couldn’t wait to take on the part again for the tour.
“I watched the film when I first got the audition for the London run and completely fell in love with it,” she says. “I found myself gasping and squealing at how outrageous it was, and loved the absolute chaos of the plot. It keeps you on your toes.
“I instantly felt connected to Annette and knew there was no way I wasn’t going to bring her to life. It was a lovely feeling to be in a role and a show that felt so right for me. That’s why it was so joyous being able to join the tour cast and bring the show to life a second time around. I can enjoy it all a little bit more this time and find lots of new moments with our fantastic new cast.”
Abbie Budden singing in Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical. Credit: Pamela Raith
Nic Myers, Abbie Budden, and Will Callan in action during Cruel Intentions. Credit: Pamela Raith.
Cruel Intentions is a modern re-telling of the French classic Les Liaisons Dangereuses written by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos in the 18th century – and Abbie believes its themes are timeless.
“It’s amazing that no matter what era you put the story in, it’s still painfully relevant today. Teenage love, seduction, manipulation, and friendship in any era will always come with its fair share of games, heartbreak, and questionable behaviour. We just can’t help but love a bit of drama and scandal.
“Most of the characters are extremely complex, devious, and flawed people, and yet you can’t help but root for their stories.
“It’s surprising how the judgments in the show from certain characters about wealth, class and race are upsettingly even more relevant than they’ve ever been, so there are still a lot of lessons to be drawn from the story.”
Nic Myers
Nic Myers, who recently played Sally Bowles in the West End production of Cabaret, says performing the ruthless Kathryn was irresistible.
“A role like Kathryn rarely presents itself to you. She is a terrible person, and that’s shown in her actions in the plot, but I like that she’s incredibly strong and she’s kind of a mastermind genius. She has poise and elegance, and she’s a very sexual person; she’s very in her body.
“A couple of times in the show, she compares men and women and what men can get away with, and how men are allowed to be viewed, and how women have to, no matter who they are, wrap it up in a nice little neat digestible bow. I think she is deeply hurt by that; I think that’s a big part of her character. The way she feels irritated by how women have to be presented and seen in the world is very relatable to me.”
Both the film and the musical, which was created by Jordan Ross, Lindsey Rosin, and Roger Kumble and first opened in Los Angeles, are packed with great songs.
“The soundtrack of the film is iconic and a lot of that feeds directly into the score of the music, so we’ve got a Bitter Sweet Symphony-esque genre of songs, all from amazing bands,” says Nic. “We’ve got all the iconic grungy angsty bangers that remind me of my pre-teen era.
“The show is so successful because it’s a ride. You will laugh and you will cry, it’s easy to digest but with emotional weight to it – and there’s a bop every minute.”
Nic Myers in Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical. Credit: Pamela Raith.
Will Callan
Will Callan was just 18 when he first played Marius in the classic musical Les Misérables on tour and then in the West End – and he was keen to take on a very different role in the shape of Sebastian.
“Sebastian is an awful person at the very start of the show,” Will says. “It seems he’s just devoid of empathy, but we come to learn that’s not a characteristic that he was born with, but one he has come to learn from the people who he’s closest to.
“With the film, I don’t think the audience in the nineties was expecting to feel such attraction towards such a bad person as the protagonist. He’s like an anti-hero; it brings that sense of danger and sexiness to the story – the audience feels they are on the ‘bad’ team.”
“Will says the musical, which is directed by Jonathan O’Boyle, is attracting both fans of the film and people new to the tale.
“If you are a lover of a good story and nostalgia, then you are in for a great night. It’s live theatre that can’t be missed, it’s an absolute riot of a time. We’ve had people from around my age and people who are training in drama school to grandparents in the audience.”
And he is looking forward to sharing Cruel Intentions with audiences across the country.
“I’m excited to show the rest of the UK what Cruel Intentions is. There will be die-hard fans of the film, but also people who are new to the story, and to have those people mix in a room and come out of it enjoying themselves equally is something quite exciting.”
Nic Myers and Will Callen in Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical. Credit: Pamela Raith.
Will Callan performing with other Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical cast members. Credit Pamela Raith.
Leeds Grand Theatre Buildings Fund
As a Grade II listed building, we want to preserve Leeds Grand Theatre for future generations, making it more accessible, sustainable, and comfortable. Everything we do will enhance your customer experience. All donations will be fully invested in ongoing projects, including improved access facilities, changing our lighting to LED, and a new Flying system.
