Cats

WOW pulled out all the stops for this popular show ”Cats”. The energy which was evident from the opening “Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats” continued and never let up with an amazing pace.

The choreography was outstanding with the entire cast all involved in most of the dance numbers with some “star” performances in Shelley’s first as the Choreographer.

All credit to her innovative and clever routines which she must have worked the cast tirelessly on in this production, and it paid off with a feel of a dedicated company who gave back 100%.

It would be impossible to name all the characters as there are so many in this show and really everyone on stage had their own interpretations of the “Cats”. All were very individual and this came over strongly.

Strong performance from Ben Collins as Rum Tum Tugger with a terrific voice, Christopher Tierney as Munkustrap,Tom Nicoll as a most imposing Old Deuteronomy,Fraser McLauchlan as Skimbleshanks,Ben Rolph as Mungojerrie,William Hackett as Bustopher Jones and so the list goes on.

With the ladies we had Cerys Wilkin as Grizabella with a haunting rendition of “Memory”. How enjoyable to listen to her playing a very emotional character which was lovely and very poignant.

I liked Ryan Wuyts as Gus the theatre cat together with Isobel Pearce in a very emotional scene and brilliant diction from them both in their singing.

Lily Downes as Jennyanydots was full of fun-very lively, and as with all the cast 100% in her character.Sophie Hill as Mr Mistoffelees together with Ben as Rum Tum Tugger gave the magician’s personality meaning, and another terrific dance routine.

I cannot speak highly enough about all the fantastic full on chorus numbers with a great sound from the voices on stage.Top marks for the top Soprano’s who really did so well in the demanding range for the voice, also Ella Bradley’s Jemima solo, which was part of “Memory”, and likewise Tom Nicholl playing Old Deuteronomy in “ The Addressing of Cats”.

To have such a talented cast was amazing with performances from the ages of 11 through to 21, with the majority being in the 11-15 age range.

Rhianna as Director did a terrific job with so much skill in using the whole cast and Susannah as Musical Director brought every ounce of harmony and musicality out of everyone on stage. The dancing was as a company some of the best I have seen.

I would like to mention each and every member of the cast on stage but it would make for a very long review, so if you are not mentioned please believe I loved it all, and you all.

Such pretty cats from the beautiful Tasha Gooderham as Victoria with exquisite dancing,Yasmin Sharp as Bombalurina,Daisy Greenwood as Demeter, both saucy cats, and the most imposing Old Deuteronomy from Tom.

A good orchestra, great sounds on a  demanding score and lighting and sound really good.

Many thanks to F.O.House for your welcome and hospitality. Many Congratulations for a show which will have delighted your audiences. A sell out of the show says it all !!!

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