Cruel Intentions- The Other Palace

Based on the 1999 cult classic film of the same name which takes inspiration from the eighteenth-century novel ‘Les Liaisons Dangereuses’, Cruel Intentions combines classic 90's pop nostalgia with the devious inner workings of an elite New York private school in the 1990s.

Enter step-siblings form hell, Kathryn Merteuil (Rhianne-Louise McCaulsky) and Sebastian Vermont (played at this performance by Craig Watson, marking his understudy debut), intent on using their classmates for their own scheming. When Kathryn discovers her ex boyfriend dumped her for freshman Cecile Caldwell (Rose Galbraith), she seeks her revenge by convincing Sebastian to seduce her. But Sebastian has his own plan: to corrupt the daughter of their school's headmaster, Annette Hargrove (Abbie Budden), who’s written about chastity before marriage. Therefore, a bet is established: if Sebastian fails to get Annette into bed with him, Kathryn wins his prized car; if he wins, Kathryn gets him.

Such a deliciously devilish concept that works so well in the space of The Other Palace and also creates the perfect environment to integrate over 20 90s classics - from Christina Aguilera's Genie in a Bottle, to Natalia Imbruglia's Torn. The resulting explosion of memories and nostalgia makes the perfect backdrop for this sly jukebox musical, with the songs used to not only delve into the characters' inner feelings, but also to the decade of All The Feelings.

As the terrible twosome, both McCaulsky and Watson really come into their own- sexy, manipulative, and just the right amount of oomph to really relish in their self assured power. McCaulsky in particular completely wowed in the vocal department, burning raw anger through the climactic song medley detailing her frustrations at the double standard she's forced to live by. Watson has some great scenes with both Budden and Galbraith, who both delivered with complete conviction, and really lent into his inner conflict between reputation and truth.

Choreographically, this was a really slick performance and used every square inch of performance space available which gave a real intimate feel and enhanced the narrative itself. Full of warmth, humour and energy, nothing fitting of the period was shied away from including the laugh-out-loud use of ‘No Scrubs’ to ridicule the racism of white Upper East Siders and a developing yet frowned upon gay relationship (you'll never hear Spice Girls' Wannabe the same again).

Overall, this is a show which knows exactly what its unique selling point is and winningly relishes in that; the result of which takes racy nostalgic comedy to a whole new level. Are you in, or are you out?

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐