I didn’t know exactly what to expect walking into the Theatre Royal Brighton for this one, but what I got was 90 minutes of pure, chaotic, nostalgic brilliance.
Seductive, hilarious, and dripping with ’90s nostalgia, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical lit up Brighton with its irresistible mix of teen drama, killer vocals, and pop perfection. It’s the kind of show that leaves you grinning from ear to ear whilst quietly humming along to all the songs!
Adapted from the 1999 cult classic film, a dark teen drama starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Ryan Phillippe, Reese Witherspoon, and Selma Blair, the musical reimagines the twisted tale of privileged Manhattan prep-schoolers and dials it up with a soundtrack of pure ’90s gold. Step siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil manipulate, seduce, and scheme their way through a summer of scandal, with innocent newcomer Annette Hargrove caught in the crossfire.
Will Callan is sensational as Sebastian Valmont, charm, complexity, and raw emotion all rolled into one. His rendition of “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls was a genuine showstopper for me: goosebumps, pin-drop silence, and a burst of well-earned applause.
Nic Myers gave a powerhouse performance as Kathryn Merteuil, the ultimate manipulative queen biatch. With a voice that could slice through steel and a presence that owned every inch of the stage, she was utterly captivating, venomous, vulnerable, and completely compelling.
TikTok star Abbie Budden was a delightful surprise as Annette Hargrove, I had no idea she was a theatre star! Her vocals were beautifully delivered, and she brought a sincerity to the role that suited the character perfectly. Her chemistry with Callan was warm, charged, and entirely believable. Even though I knew how the story would unfold, I still found myself silently rooting for them to end up together.
Lucy Carter was a comedic gem as Cecile Caldwell, nailing the timing, physicality, and delivery. Her rendition of “I’ll Make Love to You” had the entire audience in stitches. Her commitment to the squeaky-voiced, clueless schoolgirl persona was both ridiculous and brilliant. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to hear that song again without picturing the scene.
Gabriella Williams was a riot as Mrs Bunny Caldwell, owning “No Scrubs” with sass and flair. Her performance was sharp and hilarious, and the reprise of the number with Kevin Yates as Ronald Clifford was an unexpected comedic highlight.
Joe Simmons and Luke Conner Hall as Greg and Blaine gave Britney Spears’ “Sometimes” a wonderfully awkward yet endearing treatment, equal parts parody and homage, delivered with charm and spot-on timing. It was gloriously camp, genuinely hilarious, and had real will-they-won’t-they energy throughout.
And credit where it’s due: the ensemble were brilliant, bursting with energy, tight choreography, and just the right amount of attitude. They added real punch and polish to every scene.
From “Torn” to “Bittersweet Symphony” to “Bye Bye Bye”, the soundtrack was treated with cheek, confidence, and genuine love for the era. Add in “Livin’ La Vida Loca”, “Genie in a Bottle”, and of course “Wannabe” by the Spice Girls, and the result was pure, unapologetic camp in the best possible way. The audience absolutely lapped it up, clapping, laughing, singing along, it felt like a musical and a 1990s flashback party rolled into one.
If you’re after a night of outrageous fun, powerhouse performances, and a soundtrack that will transport you straight back to the glory days of the ’90s, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical is an absolute must. Whether you’re a fan of the original film or just love a bit of campy chaos, you’ll laugh, gasp, and sing your heart out.
The show runs at the Theatre Royal Brighton until Saturday 28th June 2025, with performances at 7:30pm on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 8:30pm on Friday, matinees at 2:30pm on Wednesday and Saturday, and an additional 5pm performance on Friday. Click HERE to book.
