Cats

‘I first saw the Andrew Lloyd Webber masterpiece ‘Cats’ in London in 1981. At that time all the music from Lloyd-Webber productions was always released preshow so I was totally familiar with the lyrics and music before I saw the show. This was a huge advantage for me as the show can be difficult to follow, so familiarity is still an advantage when you see this show presented today, particularly by youth groups with a wide age range and who may have varying abilities in projection and diction.’

I am a big fan of the musical ‘Cats’ It is a intelligent piece of work and it needs a skillful director to bring out the clever story. I can imagine (and was indeed told) that some of the audience, although having enjoyed the show wondered just what they had just seen. The synopsis in the programme was brief and it is left to the performers to make their own impression and tell their own tale.  Spellbound’s productions amaze me, mainly because of the  system of rehearsal … 6 singing rehearsals, a full week of whole days working on the production then into the theatre for tweaking, polish and performance. So to learn the music and all the lyrics, remember the choreography and present such a high standard of performance is nothing short of astonishing.

As I entered the theatre the stage was preset with an interesting single set-piece. Consideration had been given as to how the 50+ performers would use the set on a relatively small and raked stage. Two staircases joined by a platform under which was a tunnel representing a drainpipe. There were all manner of objects adorning the set piece to make it suggestive of a rubbish dump. The back cloth was a very effective star-cloth and moon. The cats crawled their way onto the stage from every angle and entrance and also through the auditorium. This was as splendid a tribe of feline’s, pedigree to mongrel as I have ever seen. Every shade, every breed, every age of cat from kittens to elderly moth-eaten moggies were on display.

The lighting enhanced every story. We were observers at the Jellicle Ball and we were treated to a great lighting display, different for every cat’s tale. The live music was provided by a small band, I was pleased to see this as I knew the MD would have full control in the musically complex performance. (Always a problem when using prerecorded music). This is not an easy score and the music was very good, lacking only occasionally in pace and excitement, the performers sang well, tunefully and were exceptionally well rehearsed. The sound was good overall, but I had difficulty understanding some of the complex lyrics because of speed, diction and projection.

How do you move a company of 50+ on a smallish stage….you keep it simple. The choreographer managed to create balance, enthusiasm and interest with this energetic cast… never detracting from the fact that they were nearly always singing whilst dancing. The exception to this was the Jellicle Ball and this was extremely well performed, the cast could move without the worry of song and it was a spectacle.

The costumes were practical, colourful and inventive and the fun wigs looked great. The makeup was very good and it must have been difficult for ‘mums and dads’ to recognize their sons or daughters.

This was essentially a company show with the principal ‘cats’ stepping forward to present their stories. The principal cats had been well selected and each one executed their character very well. I was astonished at the ability of dancer Leo Horner- Mr Mistoffelees, such dance talent from a young man!  There were a few exceptional singing voices among the group - Millie Weare as Demeter, Nick Rose – Skimbleshanks, Jess Golay –Bomalurina and Ella Evans - Grizabella…‘Memory’ such a difficult song to sing. But this was essentially a large team enjoying every moment.

Congratulations to the director for the vision and execution of this difficult musical. As you were also choreographer you were able to skillfully match ability to movement and movement to song and you knew when to allow the words to take the fore. A clever balance with so many performers on stage and you ensured a very entertaining evening. Was it ‘purrfect’? (Sorry couldn’t resist) No. Did it matter? Not at all, the young cast will remember the exciting experience for a long time to come.

Well done Frome MTC ‘Spellbound’ another success, another very good show for the records. Thank you for inviting us and for your hospitality.

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