Cats

This iconic production challenges the cast and crew and Minehead’s Fusion met the challenge. On entering the theatre the stage was set as railway sidings including a track and signal box, different to the usual junk yard but slick and beautifully created. Scale was great creating a larger than life world for the cats to inhabit. This was a sold out run which is always fantastic for any company but for a group of young people in a little seaside town out of season this is a real bonus. The overture set our spines a tingle as the cats arrived to celebrate at the Jellicle Ball. If you do not know the story, at the Jellicle Ball it is decided who from those now aged is to move up to the Heaviside Layer ready to be born again and the tales of these adventurous, magical, illustrious cats is the main body of the musical as the piece is based on T.S. Eliots book of poetry.

A main component of this piece is not just the music but also the choreography, this is a dancer musical and for a young company the challenges are great. Lorraine had obviously put many hours into the training and dance development of all in the cast. Some were obviously skilled but quality was high throughout for every little kitty. Costumes were all appropriate and flattering as was the hair and make-up, again challenges met head on.

 A special mention for the Peke’s and Pollicles heads, beautifully created and the audience rumble of appreciation was audible throughout this scene.

Now the cast, it is difficult to pin point certain people in such a strong ensemble but I particularly enjoyed sweet Jennyanydots  who’s smile radiated around the auditorium, in fact this young lady held the cat characteristic’s so well I often found myself watching her even when she was resting in among the debris. Another perfectly beautifully kitty was Grisabella, she may have a torn ear and her coat was matted but this young woman pulled at our hearts and performed with such sophistication and composure, I do wonder if anyone else noticed her needing the box at the back with her claws or her head popping around the corner, shy but determined to be given the chance of a new life…. Purrrfect (sorry!!). Her final exit was always going to be a challenge in any small theatre but her exit through the auditorium with glow sticks guiding her way by the audience was a magical touch. Fun was on offer by the bucket load Rum Tum Tugger strutted his stuff and made those little kittens mew. Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer bounced rolled and played off each other with style, and one of the younger cast members smashed it as Bustopher Jones. Two scenes certainly stood out Skimbleshanks:The Railway Cat, the creation of the train with its puff of smoke worked beautifully, and darling Gus and his memories.

If you didn’t see this production you certainly missed a treat and if you were in the cast I’m sure this experience will stay with you. Be very proud Fusion you brought Mr Eliot’s poetry to life

 

 

 

 

 

 

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