I know I must sound like a broken record at this point, but once again I found myself at the Leeds Grand Theatre, anticipating yet another musical adaptation of a decades-old film.
This time, though, I had a slight advantage – I’d actually seen Cruel Intentions, and more importantly, I genuinely enjoyed it. I hadn’t revisited it in years, but as a classic slice of teen angst from my youth, it held a certain nostalgic charm.
So, with my sister in tow, I walked in cautiously optimistic, hoping this might land in the realm of Heathers or The Bodyguard – and definitely not Pretty Woman.
Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical is a seductive, high-octane stage take on the cult 1999 film, set to a playlist of iconic ‘90s pop hits. Set within the privileged walls of an elite Manhattan prep school, it follows scheming step-siblings Kathryn and Sebastian as they toy with their classmates for sport. Kathryn challenges Sebastian to seduce the chaste and idealistic Annette; if he fails, she gets his beloved vintage car, if he succeeds, she’s his. But Sebastian’s plans unravel as he unexpectedly (although we all obviously expected it) falls in love with Annette, throwing their twisted game into chaos. With hits like “Genie in a Bottle,” “No Scrubs,” and, somewhat randomly but effectively, “Bittersweet Symphony,” the show is a nostalgic ride for any child of the ’90s.
To my delight, this production exceeded all expectations. From the opening number, it was fast-paced, stylish, and, most surprisingly, hilarious. Much like Heathers, the darker tones of the original film have been softened in favour of sass, sex appeal and comedy, exactly the right ingredients for a successful stage musical.
A standout in the first act was the secret romance between Blaine and Greg (played brilliantly by Luke Connor Hall and Joe Simmons), whose witty performances and chemistry lit up the stage. Their renditions of “Wannabe” and “Bye Bye Bye” were clever, crowd-pleasing and irresistibly fun. Lucy Carter, in the role of the wide-eyed yet sexually adventurous Cecile, gave a gloriously uninhibited performance. She leaned into the eccentricity of the role with such energy that every one of her scenes sparkled with life.
Nic Myers brought the same icy charisma and dangerous allure to Kathryn as Sarah Michelle Gellar did in the original film. Her singing and seductive acting were impressive, though at times her vibrato and diction made lyrics difficult to understand, especially in less familiar songs. Meanwhile, Will Callon as Sebastian was a revelation. With effortless charm, a gorgeous vocal timbre and, yes, a ‘cheeky’ moment of nudity, he completely won over the audience.
The band was tight, with the choreography being inventive and sharply executed. While the set and lighting were fairly minimal and at times a little static, the enthusiasm of the cast and the clever use of ’90s hits more than compensated. The energy never flagged; I didn’t check my watch once and was gripped the entire time.
Although the musical leans more into comedy than the film, it retains a stylish, edgy coolness that still manages to skewer the world of the ultra-privileged. The deeper emotional songs in Act Two, usually the part where many jukebox musicals stumble, were handled with more creativity and care than some. A particularly expressive train station sequence stood out for its originality and visual flair.
The show also leans into themes of sexual exploration and coming-of-age with a refreshing openness, which gives it extra heart and relevance for modern audiences. Even those unfamiliar with ‘90s music should find it an entertaining and well-crafted night out.
Despite my usual scepticism when it comes to film-to-stage adaptations, I’m thrilled I took a chance on Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical. It’s bold, funny, self-aware and irresistibly fun. If you’re thinking of going….. do! You won’t be disappointed.
Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical is at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tue 6 – Sat 10 May 2025. Book tickets online at leedsheritagetheatres.com or call Box Office on 0113 243 0808.
Photography by Pamela Raith Photography.
