Cats

This musical has long been a favourite of mine and I have seen it professionally 6 times including the original West End Production before all of these performers were born. This youth production was a real credit to the society with cast and production team being superbly aligned.

It requires a committed production team who start with casting such challenging roles as most of the cast have to be able to perform many styles of dance and sing without sounding like they are out of breath. Liz, Katherine and Nicola had clearly chosen their cast with care but had drilled them on both dance and music too. All this whilst each cat had their own personalities to work on and portray.

The set and staging whilst quite simple looked great with good use of the auditorium and steps to the back of the auditorium.  The lighting plot added to each scene and was well put together. Sound was good and the MD controlled the cast well.

The costumes and make up were absolutely stunning. Again each kitty had a completely customised costume and wig with feline ears, tails and socks. The make up for each cat looked spectacular and again finding ways to adhere microphones to each was another problem which the society overcame.

Sam Hill as Munkustrap was not just a fabulous dancer but is also responsible for telling the story in many numbers. He commanded the stage and had fantastic diction which allowed the audience to follow the story. His vocals were great and he certainly has bags of stage presence.

Nathaniel Elechi was brilliant as Mr Mistoffelees dancing and conjuring his way in one of the key numbers in the show.

Nadia Parkinson as Mungojerrie and Cameron Manning as Rumpelteazer were fabulous as the acrobatic thieving cheeky kitties and Tom Lilley as Rum Tum Tugger charmed the audience with his lovely voice and swagger and style.

I loved the rendition of “McCavity” which comes straight after a very energetic dance number. Their vocals and routine looked and sounded fabulous.

Michael Davis had a wonderful tone and mannerisms as Bustopher Jones and Old Deuteronomy was superbly played by Emmanuel Moro with gorgeous vocals. 

Louise Gaffney had the difficult task of performing the best known number of the show in “Memory”. But perform it she did beautifully and with passion and vulnerability.

Anna Lilley was lovely as Gus the old theatre cat who shakes and worries about the new young kittens. Beth Holmes put in a cute striking tap performance as Jennyanydots and Jonathan Allen was great as Skimbleshanks complete with Scottish accent which was one of my favourite numbers.

Every single one of these performers is to be commended for fabulous vocals, stunning dance moves and acting feline all the way through. Most of the audience were exhausted just watching them. Every one of the other supporting cats did great jobs on their characterisations and keeping those all the way through. Vocals and harmonies were lovely and this was a very enjoyable way to spend the afternoon.

Well done to the production team too with an inclusive policy as each of the cast were clearly having the time of their lives which always transcends to the audience. Thank you so much for your hospitality and looking after myself and my guest.

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