Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical to visit the Theatre Royal Bath on its first UK tour

Following successful seasons in London and New York, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical visits the Theatre Royal Bath from Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 April.

Based on the iconic film Cruel Intentions and inspired by Les Liaisons Dangereuses, the hit musical is packed with 1990s pop classics including the songs of Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, TLC, R.E.M., Ace of Base, Natalie Imbruglia, The Verve, *NSYNC and many more.

Step siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil engage in a cruel bet when Kathryn goads Sebastian into attempting to seduce Annette Hargrove, the headmaster’s virtuous daughter.

Image: Nic Myers as Kathryn and company in Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical 

Weaving a web of secrets and temptation, their crusade wreaks havoc on the students at their exclusive Manhattan high school. Before long, the duo become entangled in their own web of deception and unexpected romance with explosive results.

The ultimate ’90s night out has been created by Jordan Ross, Lindsey Rosin and Roger Kumble, based on the hit 1999 film written and directed by Roger Kumble, which starred Sarah Michelle Gellar, Reese Witherspoon, Ryan Philippe and Selma Blair. Now regarded as a cult classic, the film’s success also led to a prequel in 2000, a sequel in 2004 and a television series in 2024.

Image: (L-R) Nic Myers as Kathryn, Abbie Budden as Annette and Will Callan as Sebastian in Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical

Set in New York, this modern-day retelling of Pierre Choderlos de Laclos’ 1782 French novel Les Liaisons Dangereuses, was first seen on stage in 2015 in Los Angeles and originally produced by Eva Price. The show had its UK premiere in 2019 at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, produced by Bill Kenwright, before transferring to The Other Palace in London in 2024. Setting the film Cruel Intentions to the decade’s best songs has proved an irresistible combination with the resulting musical garnering more than forty four-star and five-star reviews.

The cast is led by Abbie Budden who returns to the role of Annette Hargrove, with Will Callan as Sebastian Valmont and Nic Myers as Kathryn Merteuil. Lucy Carter appears as Cecile Caldwell and Marci Greenbaum, Luke Conner Hall plays Blaine Tuttle, Joe Simmons plays Greg McConnell, Gabriella Williams plays Mrs Bunny Caldwell and Dr Greenbaum, and Kevin Yates appears as Ronald Clifford. Completing the cast are Olivia Brookes, Ben Fenwick, Sophie Hutchinson and Onuri Smith.                 

Image: Will Callan as Sebastian and company in Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical 

Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical is directed by Jonathan O’Boyle (Hair, Rain Man, Pippin, Aspects of Love) and choreographed by Gary Lloyd (Heathers, Thriller Live, Carrie the Musical), who is also Associate Director. Set and costume design is by Polly Sullivan with lighting design by Nick Richings and sound design by Chris Whybrow. The Musical Supervisor is Jeremy Wootton and the Musical Director is Will Joy. Associate Choreographer is Emma Hunter, Intimacy Co-ordinator is Rebecca Reaney and Fight Director is Bret Yount.

After receiving rave reviews in London and New York, Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical visits Bath on its first tour of UK and Ireland. The nineteen-week tour, produced by Bill Kenwright Ltd, opened in Windsor in February and runs until June ending in Brighton.

Cruel Intentions: The ’90s Musical appears at the Theatre Royal Bath from Wednesday 23 to Saturday 26 April. To book tickets, contact the Box Office on +44 (0)1225 448844 or book online at theatreroyal.org.uk.