Cruel Intentions: The ‘90s Musical at the Wales Millennium Centre

A stylish, sexy throwback with strong performances, even if the story doesn’t quite go the distance.

If you’re the kind of person who thinks eyeliner, angst and a well-placed Christina Aguilera track make for a good night out, Cruel Intentions will probably be right up your street. Based on the gloriously scandalous 1999 film (which in turn borrows from Les Liaisons Dangereuses), this jukebox musical leans into its teen-drama roots with full commitment and last night’s performance at the Wales Millennium Centre brought plenty of energy, attitude, and retro-pop flair.

What really makes it work is the cast. Everyone on stage delivered vocally, with impressive range and control, and they clearly weren’t afraid to lean into the comedy. There were a few standout moments where the humour really landed smartly timed, self-aware, and just the right amount of camp. Even when some of the jokes or suggestive moments felt a little oddly placed (and a few definitely did), the cast kept it engaging.

Choreography wise, the show was a lot of fun. It had that early MTV energy in the lighter moments, but also shifted gear well when the tone darkened. especially towards the end. It helped give certain scenes a real emotional pull, which was a nice surprise.

Now, not every song choice quite hit the mark. This is the sort of show where the soundtrack is packed with nostalgic bangers, but now and then a number would appear that didn’t quite suit the moment or felt awkwardly squeezed into the scene. That said, they were always well performed, and the audience was clearly enjoying the ride.

Visually, the staging was simple but effective. The lighting in particular did a great job of guiding the audience’s attention and adding atmosphere, especially in moments that could have easily tipped into melodrama without it. It was clear and well thought out, which helped anchor the more chaotic elements of the story.

As for that story… well, it’s not exactly Shakespeare. Outside of Sebastian, who at least gets something resembling a character arc, most of the roles are fairly one-note. The plot whizzes along, ticking boxes for scandal, seduction, and betrayal, but it never really digs deeper than the surface. We’re told at the start that we’ll laugh and cry. I did laugh (a few times genuinely!), but I wasn’t anywhere near tears.

In the end, Cruel Intentions is a fun night out if you go in with the right expectations. It’s bold, brash, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is probably for the best. It won’t change your life, but with this cast and a soundtrack full of guilty pleasures, you’ll probably have a good time. Just maybe don’t expect too much more than that.

★★★☆☆ – Fun and fierce, but more style than substance.