Cats

Those that have been lucky to see past productions of Newcastle Upon Tyne Musical Company have got used to top-of-the-range shows. They consistently put on some of the best shows in the area (and that includes those put on by rival professional companies). In fact, anyone booking one of their shows might be forgiven for thinking there are a professional company, whether they stage a classic (like West Side Story) or something more up-to-date. But their latest offering, Cats, is the biggest challenge yet being a modern show still pulling in the crowds world-wide, requiring top singing, dancing, movement, sheer performance and much more than musical accompaniment. And they have done it again, pulling off a quite remarkable show. It is hard (and pointless) to find fault with their presentation of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s timeless blockbuster. It has only recently been released for amateur performance and NMTC was one of the few to be given a chance to debut it. What a great job they have done to justify this show as one to aim for as a musical spectacular.

Although credit goes to each and every cast member, crew member, set and costume team and the myriad other supporters and staff, it must be director Sandra Laidler’s and Musical Director Liam Gilbert’s overall triumph as leaders of such a well-chosen and gifted company.  It is unfair ( and truly difficult due to the comprehensive make-up and costume) to single out any of the principals, but Ken Allan (Old Deuteronomy) and Jojo Hatfield (Grizabella) stood out if it possible to do that from such a talented group of artists. You can see why they are so accomplished by looking at the cast’s CVs, most of whom, if not already professionally-bound, are aspiring to be.

If I had to name a show-stopper it was the Jellicle Ball number. The orchestra was much more than an accompaniment: this sort of musical is more akin to an opera with music playing a much more important role in the success of the enterprise. In this case the pit, the stage and all supporting came together to exceed the sum of their individual parts. Top Cats.   

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