Sydnie Christmas Steps into the Spotlight as Cruella de Vil in Bold New West End Musical
Fresh from her showstopping win on Britain’s Got Talent 2024, Sydnie Christmas is taking on a daring new challenge: transforming into the infamous Cruella de Vil in a reimagined stage production of 101 Dalmatians. The production, set for a limited run this summer at London’s Eventim Apollo, promises a fresh spin on the classic villain—and Christmas is ready to sink her teeth into the role.
Appearing on ITV’s Lorraine, Sydnie described the opportunity as both “terrifying and thrilling.” Dressed in a chic black-and-white ensemble that nodded to Cruella’s signature look, she explained how the musical will offer more depth to the iconic character. “She’s not just a villain,” Sydnie shared. “She’s complex. She’s hurt, ambitious, dramatic—everything I love about a musical theatre role. And vocally? She doesn’t hold back!”
A Bold Reinterpretation of a Disney Classic
This new version of 101 Dalmatians is not a direct remake of the animated or live-action films. Instead, it presents a stylized, stage-driven narrative that adds nuance to Cruella’s backstory while retaining the flair and eccentricity that have made her one of Disney’s most memorable antagonists.
In rehearsal footage previewed during the interview, Sydnie was seen commanding the stage with a bold original number—written specifically for this production—featuring big-band energy, stylized jazz arrangements, and dynamic choreography. Her powerhouse vocals, already familiar to BGT viewers, took on a darker, more theatrical edge, hinting at a Cruella who is not only glamorous and wicked, but also deeply human.
From BGT Favorite to Leading Lady
Sydnie Christmas captivated Britain’s Got Talent audiences with her emotional depth and vocal range, delivering unforgettable renditions of classics like “Tomorrow” and “My Way.” Now, she’s proving her range once again—this time by stepping into a more character-driven role. The casting has drawn enthusiastic praise from both fans and theatre professionals.
Social media lit up after the announcement, with fans coining hashtags like #CruellaChristmas and #SydnieAsCruella, calling the casting “inspired” and “theatrical gold.” One fan on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “She’s got the pipes, the drama, and the presence. Cruella was made for Sydnie.”
What’s Next for Sydnie?
In addition to preparing for her West End debut as Cruella, Sydnie continues to navigate the momentum from her BGT win. She’s currently recording music for her debut album My Way and preparing for a UK tour set to launch in October 2024. Balancing rehearsal schedules, press appearances, and recording sessions, Christmas admits the pace is intense—but fulfilling.
“It’s a lot,” she said during the interview. “But this role feels like where I’m meant to be right now.”
With 101 Dalmatians: The Musical set to open this summer and Sydnie Christmas at the center of it all, theatre-goers can expect a show packed with charisma, creativity, and a few fabulously villainous surprises. Tickets are already in high demand—and if early reactions are anything to go by, this Cruella might just steal the show.
