It's the classic canine caper and this modern musical is an absolute delight, bringing you dozens of darling Dalmatians. 

The story of the original spotty heroes is lovingly recreated on stage in a charming, family friendly feel-good show with some superb new music. 

When fashionista Cruella de Vil 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 adorable pups.

(Image: Johan Persson) READ MORE: Our review of War Horse at Mayflower Theatre

Kym Marsh, of Coronation Street and Hear'Say fame, is deliciously wicked as the villainous Cruella, bringing just the right mix of glamour and menace to the role without terrifying younger members of the audience. 

The show is particularly well suited to families with my ten and six-year-olds laughing out loud at the bottom sniffing scenes and the little pup who wees on the electrics to free her siblings from their cages and save the day.

The puppetry is quite brilliant and there's a memorable scene in the second act where dogs of all breeds - pugs, boxers and a rather fabulous pink poodle among them - fill the stage and the auditorium, along with three unlikely feline heroes who join the rescue effort. 

(Image: Johan Persson) There's even a real Dalmatian pup at the curtain call, eliciting gasps from a delighted audience. 

Cruella's animal print costumes are fantastic, the new numbers, especially Take Me Home and One Hundreds and One, really stick in the mind, and any new additions to the classic tale are welcome. I particularly liked the introduction of two hapless nephews to Cruella's entourage, bringing a touch of pantomime to proceedings. 

But, for lovers of the 1996 Disney film starring Glenn Close and Hugh Laurie, the  classic scenes are all there too. Cruella maniacally driving her luxury car, actually causing its wheels to fall off on this occasion, and the delightful 'Twilight Bark’ are definite highlights.

(Image: Johan Persson) 101 Dalmatians: The Musical is at Mayflower Theatre until Saturday and, frankly, you'd be barking mad to miss it! 

Tickets are on sale from mayflower.org.uk or by calling 023 8071 1811.

(Image: Johan Persson)