Cats

How on earth does one review an iconic show like Cats, which the audience expect to be set in a dump. I felt it was a masterstroke by the director, to set the show in a Victorian theatre, the cats came out to play when the cast and audience had gone home. I thought this worked brilliantly, it was so original.

The set looked excellent and was efficiently managed, meaning there was no real downtime in the show, and movement from scene to scene was swiftly handled. Good pace is essential in a show like this and it was maintained throughout. There were some very special effects, which worked brilliantly, Grizabella’s ascension to heaven, and Mr Mistoffelees making Old Deuteronomy appear as if by magic, were  amazing.

I very much liked the character interpretations, being drawn from those that work in the theatre, for example  RumTum Tugger, looking very much like Elvis, and Bustopher Jones the perfect theatre impresario. All principal roles were played brilliantly, Old Deuteronomy, played by Jonny Irving, kept up the demeanour of the old man of the piece to great effect, Katie Feltham was excellent as Grizabella, she certainly did justice to the famous ‘Memory’ song. Will Stuart, as Rum Tum Tugger, Hannah Dodd as Demeter and Jessica Crowther as Bombalurina, characterised sang and danced their roles to perfection. Aaron Halliwell as Mungo Jerrie and Claire Iddon as Rumpleteaser were fabulous  performing as a music hall variety act. Their singing and enthusiasm throughout their performance was very special. To be honest there are far too many characters to mention by name, but everyone should be proud of the way they performed their roles.

I thought the choreography was outstanding throughout, congratulations to Karen Woodruff, her dances were all convincingly feline and varied. How she managed to get eighty five young people on and off the stage whilst all being seen was quite astonishing. Very well done to Karen. The orchestra as usual were superbly led by Alison Bedford. The costumes were fabulous, all very feline, but not just lycra, and the wigs were superb. Well done to the wardrobe ladies..

Once again, this was a fantastic production from Stagedright, thankyou. As always the hospitality in the boiler room was great.

 

 

 

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