Cats

Well, there was a time when any Lloyd-Webber show being performed by an adult amateur company was unheard of, but as more and more of his musicals are released they are becoming a real draw for both companies and audiences alike.

Port Talbot has produced some very brave and very fine performances over the past few years and this production was to prove no less exciting and entertaining. The audience was greeted with a very impressive set and a great sound world of cars driving by, which straight away added to the overall experience. The opening overture was swiftly accompanied by cats darting into the audience and then finding their way to the stage for the opening number which was a fantastic start to this show and demonstrated a very fine ensemble sound, high energy and good choreography which was maintained throughout the performance. The ensemble was excellent and had obviously worked hard on movement and capturing cat-like charterisation.

Michael Aubin played Munkstrap, very much the lead ‘alley cat’ well and gave an energetic performance, with some rather demanding dance sequences. David Everton demonstrated a strong voice in the role of Old Deuteronomy and Gaynor Williams gave melancholy and vulnerability to the role of Grizabella. There were lovely performances by Antonia Williams as Bombalurina, Sophie Glendenning as Demeter, Kerrianne Bath as Jennyanydots, Casey-Jane Lewis as Jemima, Elise Addiscott as Victoria and Catherine Hooper as Jellyorum and the boys worked well as Skimbleshank played by Rhys Dilwyn-Jenkins, Bustopher Jones played by Neil Llewellyn-Griffiths, Macavity played by Declan Stuart and Young Gus played by Alex Williams.

David Roberts gave a very touching performance as Gus, Lewis Ansell was a magical Mr Mistoffeles, Rum Tum Tugger was given great energy and character by Aled Lloyd Rees and one of the highlights of the evening for me were the performances given by Thomas Hearn and Bethan Michael as Munojerrie and Rumpleteazer. Their rapport on stage was palpable, with excellent dancing, great singing and perfect timing throughout their number, an entertaining performance indeed.

Many thanks to the entire company for this production which was most memorable.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.