Some stories are better known, and loved, in their adapted forms. This black-and-white speckled tale of dalmatians and dognapping is one of them. Originally a book by Dodie Smith in 1956, it has had several stage and screen makeovers though it is still arguably at its finest as the exquisite 1961 Disney cartoon.
So this family musical, adapted by Zinnie Harris, has form to live up to. It comes with lots of puppyish enthusiasm and Toby Olié’s adorable puppets, but it does not quite manage to melt our hearts in the way of its forebears.
