Cats

The atmosphere was present as soon as you entered the auditorium, sat down and began to observe the stage and preshow lighting. This was a memorable visit to a show and every aspect of the production from top to toe was well thought-out and executed. Where to start is really a difficult question, but the initial cat’s eyes that appeared as the music started took us on a magnificent journey of storytelling through music, voice and dance. 

It is difficult to single out any particular cast member as they were all of a high standard, and the creativity applied to this performance shone in every aspect of the show.  It was clear to see that well before the show hit the rehearsal rooms that lengthy discussions would have taken place to decide on the theatrical performance that was to wow the audiences in Glasgow.  The creative team – Chris Stuart Wilson, Director/Choreographer and Kieren Young, Musical Director, brought their talents to bear as we saw the story of the cats unfold. The very talented cats worked hard and interpreted the tales of the lives of the cats through dramatic dance and song. I don’t recall a moment throughout this performance when the stage wasn’t displaying the many talents of the cast. The level of clever direction and in particular new and fresh choreography brought the stage to life.    

As said by David Robertson, President, in his opening remarks in the programme, The Pantheon Club (Glasgow) had to create a completely new set and costume plot for their production. Not being allowed to replicate the original award winning design of Cats, Chris Stuart Wilson created a whole new performance experience. This is where the creative team comes in. His work alongside costume and make up designer, Emma Leigh Porter and Jonnie Clough, set and lighting designer, transported us to a dilapidated London theatre, creating the Jellicle ball. All of this ensured the vision for the overall production was executed to a high standard.

Alongside the creative design team, the team at That Looks Good costumes, set construction by Big House Events and Scenery, and lighting and sound by Blue Parrot ensured that the whole atmosphere was created to execute Chris’s vision of the overall production.

The work of the many dedicated people involved off stage cannot go unmentioned, and the people in the wider production team and others acknowledged in the programme, ensured Cats brought a high performance value to the theatre.  

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