90s nostalgia and high-stakes drama to grace Torbay stage

Get ready for romance, manipulation, and psychological games in Manhattan’s high society as Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical comes to Torquay.

After a successful tour, the production arrives at the Princess Theatre before wrapping up its run – and local audiences are in for a treat.

“It’s been fabulous,” said Nic Myers, who plays lead character Kathryn Merteuil.

“We’re all really enjoying it. Each venue brings a slightly different reaction, which is very exciting.”

Based on the cult film starring Sarah Michelle Gellar, Selma Blair, and a young Reese Witherspoon, the musical is a modern-day adaptation of Dangerous Liaisons. In this version, rich prep school kids take on the roles in an imagined version of the 1782 novel by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos.

“I watched the film when I was about 14,” Nic recalled. “I have slightly older cousins who were very into that 90s era; I was younger, but I ended up seeing it.”

Setting the scene about the production, she describes the story as being “about two step-siblings who hatch an evil plan to corrupt someone innocent for their own game. It’s raunchy, sexy, and funny. It’s full of twists, turns, and comedy gold, all set to music.”

It’s also the first time Nic has played a villain on stage, and she’s loving it!

“When the role first crossed my desk, I wasn’t sure I was right for it,” she admitted. “I’m usually cast more as the Cecile type [Selma Blair’s character in the film] – funny and quirky. But once I got into it, I realised it is for me. There’s nothing better than playing a terrible person. You have to find sympathy for them; otherwise, it’s hard to make it truthful.”

And there’s very little good in Kathryn.

Above: Cruel Intentions 2025. Image: Pamela Raith Photography

“She knows exactly what she wants,” said Nic. “She understands her power as a woman. She’s the puppet master behind all the terrible things that happen in the plot. But she knows her worth and how to get what she wants. She’s extremely clever, manipulative, funny, and quick-witted.”

A big draw of the musical is its soundtrack, featuring 90s chart hits from the likes of *NSYNC, TLC, and Boyz II Men.

“If you want a trip down memory lane, the music will take you there,” Nic said. “It’s banger after banger, and you barely have time to breathe between them. The show’s only two hours long, but it's packed with absolute 90s songs. The audience will know every single one.”

Nic’s love of performing started early. She began tap lessons at six and was inspired by her grandma’s amateur dramatics.

She trained at Arts Educational School and made her West End debut in Back to the Future: The Musical.

“That was the best year of my life,” she said. “I still say that. I couldn’t believe it was my first job. We did the Oliviers, A Night at the Musicals, Britain’s Got Talent, and even recorded a cast album. Working with Bob Gale, who wrote the original movie, was amazing.”

Nic also got to play the iconic Sally Bowles in Cabaret in the West End.

“After that, I felt like I could do anything,” she said. “It’s such a big role emotionally, physically, and vocally.”

As for dream roles, one still stands out.

“The one that kind of slipped through my fingers was Katherine in Newsies,” she said with an air of sadness.

“That was my dream role when I was about 15. I’d still love to do that. So if Newsies ever comes back, hit me up!”

Nic is especially looking forward to returning to Devon, as her grandad lives in Tavistock.

“I’m so excited, especially with the theatre being close to the beach,” she said. “My partner and my parents are coming too, so we’re going to spend a lot of time at the beach. We’re really looking forward to it.

“I’m training for a half-marathon, so it will be nice to run along the seafront.”

Cruel Intentions plays at the Princess Theatre, Torquay, from June 10 to 14.