Steps star Faye Tozer has opened up on playing “the most iconic villain of all time” as the 101 Dalmatians musical hits Scotland.
The performer and West End star, 48, is sharing the role of Cruella De Vil in the show with Hear’Say’s Kym Marsh.
The musical, which has been touring the UK since June, is based on the 1956 book by Dodie Smith and features life-sized Dalmatian puppets.
She told What’s On Scotland: “We all know the fabulous story of 101 Dalmatians.
“This is a musical, though, that comes from the book. So it’s not the same as the film.
“It is a visual spectacular – we have all of the flavours of the original story.
“The actors and the cast that we have in this show are so, so incredible. You’re so invested in the puppets, and the puppetry and control all, and their voices just blow me away. They really do.
“I’m really proud to be a part of this production.”
STV NewsFaye says it’s been “so much fun” taking on the role of the famous villain – and joked that she’s tapping into her “alter ego.”
“When you get a call to become Cruella, it’s something that you never probably thought that you would be asked to do,” she said. “But when it comes, it was just like, ‘she is the most iconic villain of all time.’
“For me, the extreme costumes were a draw. I’m just stepping into those fabulous shoes and making her my own as well.
“It’s so much fun and so ridiculous and so out there. She’s so evil that she’s quite funny. I’m quite a cruel Cruella, you know.”
The show is for audiences five and over – and fans can expect an all-singing, all-dancing extravaganza with a few tear-jerking moments.
“It’s a family show. Of course, there are jokes and things for the adults that probably go over the kids’ heads, but it’s just a delicious, hearty musical with earworm songs – a lot of joy.
“You might have to bring your tissues as well.”
STV NewsFaye says Steps will “hopefully” be on the road touring again, though no date has yet been confirmed.
In the meantime, the group has been focused on producing the forthcoming musical Here & Now, based on Steps’ songs.
It follows Caz and her friends in a seaside supermarket, where everyone – including the staff – loves dancing in the aisles.
But when workplace secrets are revealed, the main characters begin to fear their chances of having a “happy ever after” are slipping away.
“It’s taken seven years to get the right writers, producers, our incredible creative team to become what it is today. So it’s been a passion project and we’re very, very proud of it,” Faye said.
“It’s very funny, very joyous with good, solid, hearty humour.”
The musical 101 Dalmatians is at Glasgow’s King’s Theatre from November 12 to 16 and at Edinburgh’s Playhouse from November 19 to 23.
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