TEENAGE DIRT BAGS

AUDIENCES can expect a blend of teenage intrigue and sensational pop songs when the hit show Cruel Intentions: The '90s Musical comes to Birmingham Hippodrome.

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Based on the blockbuster Nineties film Cruel Intentions, the show tells the tale of step siblings Sebastian Valmont and Kathryn Merteuil who make a bet that Sebastian can seduce Annette Hargrove, the headmaster's daughter.

With Nineties pop classics from Britney Spears, Boyz II Men, Christina Aguilera, TLC, R.E.M., Ace of Base, No Doubt, Natalie Imbruglia and The Verve, the musical has been a hit in London and New York.

Abbie Budden played Annette in the London production last year and couldn't wait to take on the part again for the UK tour.

"I watched the film when I first got the audition for London run and completely fell in love with it," she says. "I found myself gasping and squealing at how outrageous it was and loved the absolute chaos of the plot. It really keeps you on your toes.

"I instantly felt connected to Annette and knew there was no way I wasn't going to bring her to life. It was a lovely feeling to be in a role and a show that felt so right for me. That's why it was so joyous being able to join the tour cast and bring the show to life a second time round."

Cruel Intentions is a modern retelling of the French classic Les Liaisons Dangereuses written by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos in the 18th century and Abbie believes its themes are timeless.