CRUEL INTENTIONS: The 90s Musical Hits the Road

If you’ve ever longed for the days when Genie in a Bottle, Torn, and No Scrubs ruled the radio waves, then get ready for a nostalgic theatrical experience that you didn’t even know you were craving. CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE ’90S MUSICAL, based on the cult 1999 film of the same name, is sweeping across the UK this year. Bursting with some of the biggest tunes from the era, it promises to be equal parts daring, darkly funny, and irresistibly infectious. And if you thought the original was simply a tale of teenage treachery featuring step-siblings running amok in an upscale world, you’ll be surprised at just how fresh and relevant this story still feels. Whether you’re a dedicated theatregoer, a child of the ’90s, or both, this is one show you’ll want to bookmark in your calendar.

A Look Back at the Film That Started It All

When CRUEL INTENTIONS first hit cinema screens in 1999, it quickly developed a cult following. Starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair, the movie offered a provocative adaptation of the French novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses—but with a late-20th-century twist. Set amid the privileged enclaves of Manhattan’s Upper East Side, the film follows step-siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil as they place a wager on whether Sebastian can bed the headmaster’s innocent daughter, Annette Hargrove. Controversial upon release for its mix of teenage rebellion and adult manipulations, the film has since become a defining snapshot of late-90s pop culture.

The stage musical adaptation holds on to this fierce energy while injecting a healthy dose of good old ’90s nostalgia. Fans of the original film will be delighted to hear that the creative team behind CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE ’90S MUSICAL includes Roger Kumble, who directed and co-wrote the film, alongside Jordan Ross and Lindsey Rosin. The show had a successful run at The Other Palace in London, receiving glowing reviews from WhatsOnStage, which described it as “dark, rollicking and stylish.”

A Twisted Game at the Heart of the Story

The heart of the show remains the same: CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE ’90S MUSICAL is all about pushing boundaries and testing the limits of what people will do in the name of power and attraction. Abbie Budden stars as Annette Hargrove, the virtuous newcomer who unwittingly becomes the focal point of Sebastian and Kathryn’s cruel bet. Will Callan takes on the role of the charming yet conflicted Sebastian Valmont, while Nic Myers plays the ruthless Kathryn Merteuil—a character who, for many fans, was the defining presence of the original film thanks to Sarah Michelle Gellar’s iconic portrayal.

The narrative tension emerges from Kathryn and Sebastian’s sibling rivalry, which is disguised behind an eerily close alliance. As their scheme unfolds, friends and acquaintances—including the naïve Cecile Caldwell (here played by Lucy Carter, who also appears as Marci Greenbaum)—are drawn into a twisted web that reveals far more about teenage vulnerability and the trappings of privilege than anyone expects. By the end, no one is left unscathed, which is precisely what made the film so memorable—and what promises to make this musical adaptation equally captivating.

Meet the Team Bringing It to Life

Directing the show is Jonathan O’Boyle, who is known for his fresh and vibrant takes on classic and contemporary work. Choreography is by Gary Lloyd, whose credits include acclaimed productions across the West End, and who also serves as associate director. The creative team extends to Polly Sullivan for set and costume design, Nick Richings for lighting design, and Chris Whybrow for sound design. The musical direction is handled by Will Joy, with Jeremy Wootton as musical supervisor. Also on board are Emma Hunter as associate choreographer, Rebecca Reaney as intimacy co-ordinator, and Bret Yount as fight director.

The main cast line-up is nothing short of impressive. In addition to Abbie Budden, Will Callan, and Nic Myers, audiences will see:

• 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 The ensemble is completed by Olivia Brookes, Ben Fenwick, Sophie Hutchinson, and Onuri Smith, all of whom contribute to the electrifying onstage dynamic.

A Soundtrack Straight From Your Mixtape

If the prospect of seeing these scheming step-siblings live on stage isn’t enticing enough, the musical’s soundtrack will undoubtedly seal the deal. CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE ’90S MUSICAL features a trove of hits guaranteed to make any 90s kid (or 90s music enthusiast) swoon with recognition. Think songs by Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, TLC, Boyz II Men, and many more. Whether it’s Genie in a Bottle, Sometimes, No Scrubs, I’ll Make Love to You, or Torn, each number is carefully interwoven into the plot to heighten the drama, add comic relief, or reveal inner turmoil. And of course, it wouldn’t be complete without Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve, the song that provided the film’s unforgettable final flourish.

For theatre-lovers who also happen to hoard old Spice Girls cassettes in the attic, it’s the ultimate marriage of storyline and soundtrack. The show reminds us that the ’90s didn’t just belong to flannel shirts and Tamagotchis—they were also a golden age of unapologetically catchy pop tunes.

Stepping into the Spotlight: UK Tour Highlights

CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE ’90S MUSICAL will kick off its UK tour at Windsor Theatre Royal from 13 to 15 February, before travelling to York Grand Opera House (18–22 February), New Wimbledon Theatre (25 February–1 March), and Chelmsford Theatre (4–8 March). After that, the production continues at Cheltenham Everyman Theatre (11–15 March), Northampton Royal and Derngate (18–22 March), and Manchester Opera House (25–29 March).

Come April, the show heads to Dublin’s Gaiety Theatre (1–5 April), Aberdeen’s His Majesty’s Theatre (8–12 April), and Oxford New Theatre (15–19 April). Then it’s on to Theatre Royal Bath (23–26 April) and Malvern Theatres (29 April–3 May) to close out the month. May sees the musical stopping by Leeds Grand Theatre (6–10 May), Hull New Theatre (13–17 May), Darlington Hippodrome Theatre (20–24 May), and Cardiff Wales Millennium Centre (27–31 May).

Finally, the UK tour wraps up in June with performances at Birmingham Hippodrome (3–7 June), Princess Theatre Torquay (10–14 June), and Theatre Royal Brighton (24–28 June). For local theatre-goers, it’s the perfect chance to see how the show’s flashy Manhattan setting translates onto stages across the British Isles.

The Bigger Picture: ’90s Nostalgia and Global Appeal

It’s no secret that the 1990s have made a massive comeback in recent years. Everything from fashion revivals to reunion concerts has convinced us that the era of grunge, bubblegum pop, and dial-up internet is here to stay. In theatre, the ’90s wave has seen producers tapping into a sense of collective nostalgia—evident in shows like FRIENDSICAL, the British tribute musical to the beloved sitcom, or the revival of popular jukebox musicals that feature classic chart-toppers.

Although CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE ’90S MUSICAL is primarily touring the UK, fans in other countries have also shown immense interest. The original film was a hit in Australia, and musicals celebrating 90s culture (including pop tribute shows and revivals) continue to garner attention Down Under. In Australian theatre circles, there’s a growing appetite for musicals that blend nostalgia with modern theatrical flair—think global sensations like THE BODYGUARD or 9 TO 5, which found welcoming audiences in major cities like Melbourne and Sydney. With that in mind, it wouldn’t be surprising if CRUEL INTENTIONS eventually eyed an Australian stop.

A Unique Feature: The Fusion of Classic Literature and Pop

Beyond the glitz of its star-studded cast or its chart-topping playlist, CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE ’90S MUSICAL offers a striking commentary on timeless human tendencies. Though set in modern Manhattan, it remains a direct descendant of Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the 18th-century novel by Choderlos de Laclos. That historical connection adds depth: you’re not just watching a group of affluent teens misbehaving—you’re seeing a centuries-old drama about seduction, betrayal, and the fickle nature of morality come to life in neon colours.

In many ways, this blend of classic literature and 90s pop music is the show’s most distinctive feature. One moment, characters are re-enacting the sort of intrigue you’d expect in an aristocratic French salon; the next, they’re belting out Bye Bye Bye by *NSYNC. This dissonance could easily have been jarring, but the creative team has transformed it into a cohesive and deeply enjoyable spectacle. It’s a theatrical marriage of high art and pop culture that entertains, challenges, and occasionally shocks—all in the best ways possible.

Why Critics and Audiences Can’t Get Enough

When the production had a limited run at The Other Palace in London, critics praised its combination of witty banter, boundary-pushing themes, and a cleverly assembled soundtrack. WhatsOnStage called the piece “dark, rollicking, and stylish,” and audiences responded in kind, with many shows selling out. It’s the interplay between the show’s darker undertones—manipulation, heartbreak, and moral ambiguity—and the light-hearted singalong tracks that truly sets it apart. Much like the film, CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE ’90S MUSICAL draws you in with its decadent veneer, only to confront you with questions about morality, consequences, and the veneer of high society.

From a box office perspective, nostalgia is a powerful hook. There’s a significant audience out there who grew up on the original film, as well as younger fans who discovered it through streaming services. Add to that the general public’s ongoing fascination with the 1990s, and you have a recipe for a theatrical smash. The cast, under Jonathan O’Boyle’s direction, capitalises on this fascination by revelling in the show’s edgy vibe while staying true to the material’s emotional core.

Final Thoughts

CRUEL INTENTIONS: THE ’90S MUSICAL is more than just a fun tribute to the era of Tamagotchis and boy bands—it’s a fresh take on a centuries-old battle of wits and wills. Watching the high stakes of teenage machinations unfold against the backdrop of late-90s pop anthems makes for a night of theatre that is as thought-provoking as it is wildly entertaining. The show’s combination of camp, catharsis, and cultural commentary ensures it will appeal to audiences of all ages, from those who remember queueing up for the original movie tickets to those hearing Bittersweet Symphony for the first time.

Whether you’re a die-hard fan of the 1999 film, a theatregoer looking for something a bit edgy, or simply in search of a nostalgia-fuelled evening out, this production ticks all the right boxes. There’s something delightfully subversive about witnessing the wicked wit of step-siblings Kathryn and Sebastian unfold in a live setting, set to the tunes of Britney and Christina. And just like the final moment of the film, the show leaves you both enthralled and a little unsettled—exactly what great theatre should do.

So if you fancy revisiting the hedonistic spirit of the ’90s, hearing your favourite tracks performed live, and revelling in a story that’s part scandal, part satire, and altogether magnetic, grab your tickets before they vanish. After all, as Kathryn Merteuil might say, it’s the perfect way to indulge your most clandestine intentions—without ever having to leave your seat.