A beloved pop star is bringing the fun factor to Glasgow as she is set to take on the role of the ‘most iconic female villain of all time’.
Faye Tozer, who rose to fame with pop group Steps - famous for songs like Tragedy and 5, 6, 7, 8 - will portray Cruella De Vil in 101 Dalmatians: The Musical at the King's Theatre this week.
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Based on Zinnie Harris’s stage adaptation, with music and lyrics by Douglas Hodge, Faye branded the production as so extreme it’s funny.
Following fashionista Cruella De Vil as she plots to swipe all the Dalmatian puppies in town to create her fabulous new fur coat, there’s trouble ahead for Pongo and Perdi and their litter of tail-wagging pups.
“The costumes are ridiculous – the quality is just out of this world. Getting into them is so much fun.
“The songs are real year-worms too. The show is such a joyful experience. It’s wonderful.”
And for all those Faye fans out there, get ready to see a whole new side to your favourite star.
Faye said: “When I was in Steps, everyone sees the kind of family-friendly side of me, but I’m quite nasty in this.
“My sister said I scared her a bit, which says a lot.
“I just get in there 100% and enjoy it.”
And for all you dog lovers out there, get ready to meet Bonnie – the real-life Dalmatian who will star in the show.
Faye said: “The pup we have with us for the Scotland run is Bonnie, which suits her.
“To do a job and have a puppy next door in the dressing room is amazing.”
But what about the other 100 pups?
“The majority of the dogs (and cats) that we have on the show are puppets,” Faye explained.
She continued: “When I found out about it, I wasn’t sure how it was going to work, but the actors operating the dogs are so clever, and you just become so invested.
“I’m so proud to be a part of this because it is such a creative, joyous show.”
“I’m very proud that I got the Scotland end of the tour,” Faye said.
She added: “I have just got so much love for Glasgow.
“The week we’re in Glasgow it is actually my birthday, too. I want to do brunch one day and a nice little cocktail evening with the girls from the show, which I think will be really fun.”
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Despite rising to fame for her voice, Faye’s love for theatre stretches back to childhood.
Speaking on her journey, Faye explained her time in Steps as part of a ‘long way round’ to reaching her dream in theatre.
“I was a big fan of theatre before Steps was even a twinkle in anyone’s eyes, and that was always my aim and where I wanted to go,” Faye said.
She added: “But then Steps happened, and I’ve just taken the long way round.
“I’ve been on stage with people I never would have dreamed of. Last year I was in Peter Pan with Sir David Suchet and now he’s, my friend. It’s just so crazy.
“There’s something about live theatre that sparked me as a kid and the fact I get to do that as a day job is lovely. Long may it carry on.”
For more information on the 101 Dalmatians: The Musical, visit www.atgtickets.com
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