CATS

Cats is a unique and imaginative musical composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, inspired by T.S. Eliot’s whimsical 1939 collection, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The show follows the Jellicle cats as they gather for their annual Jellicle Ball - a night filled with music, dance, and storytelling. During this special gathering, one cat is chosen to journey to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new life.

On arrival, I was met by the lovely Dena and warmly welcomed. She made me feel instantly at ease and even offered a complimentary cat face paint, which was such a fun and thoughtful touch. On entering the auditorium, the open set immediately caught the eye - large pieces of furniture covered in dust sheets, bathed in red light, with the iconic street lamp standing proudly at centre stage.

The lights dimmed, and the auditorium was beautifully lit by festoon lights, casting a warm, theatrical glow. Cats began to appear from the sides of the stage and moved through the audience, creating an immediate sense of immersion and excitement. All of this unfolded to the sound of a wonderful 14-piece orchestra playing the overture - rich, dynamic, and perfectly paced. The musicians brought the score to life with precision and finesse, setting the tone for the entire performance. From the very first notes, the orchestra created an atmosphere of mystery and anticipation, seamlessly guiding the audience into the magical world of the Jellicle Cats.

Old Deuteronomy had a calm, commanding presence that immediately captured my attention. He embodied the wisdom and quiet authority of the Jellicle tribe’s leader, with a deep, resonant voice that brought depth and significance to every moment on stage. His costume was beautifully detailed, adding to the sense that he was the heart and soul of the tribe. The same actor also took on the role of Bustopher Jones, bringing a completely different energy with equal skill. Bustopher was full of style - pompous, polished, and delightfully over the top. His performance was lively and richly entertaining, capturing Bustopher’s love of indulgence and self-importance while still keeping him endearing. It was a joy to see two such distinct characters brought to life with such clarity and control.

Grizabella, the once glamorous cat now outcast and alone, brought real emotional depth to the production. Her journey from isolation to acceptance was portrayed with sensitivity and power. The performance of ‘Memory’ was a true highlight - beautifully sung, rich with emotion, and delivered with such intensity that the entire audience seemed completely still, hanging on every note. It was a breathtaking moment that captured the heart of the character and the spirit of the show.

Rum Tum Tugger lit up the stage with his bold, attention-grabbing presence. Full of charisma and attitude, he strutted confidently with a playful Elvis-style swagger that perfectly suited his show-off, diva persona. His characterisation struck a great balance between cheeky and charismatic, full of energy and fun. With sharp comic timing and expressive facial gestures, it was clear he was enjoying every moment on stage.

Munkustrap, the grey tabby tom cat, stood out as both storyteller and protector, guiding the audience through the Jellicle world with confidence and grace. The actor’s wonderful characterisation was consistent and compelling, staying fully in character from start to finish. His presence on stage was reassuring, providing a steady and gentle anchor for the story as it unfolded.

Shimbleshanks was a delightful bundle of energy, bringing a lively and infectious enthusiasm to the stage. His performance truly shone during ‘The Railway Cat,’ where his poised, agile movements combined with a spirited presence perfectly captured the character’s personality and charm. His smooth control and attention to detail made the portrayal especially engaging and full of life.

Mongojerrie and Rumpleteaser were double trouble, bringing a mischievous energy that was both entertaining and full of spirit. Their London accents added a fun, authentic touch, and the swag bags they carried became a distinctive part of their playful antics. With excellent singing and dancing skills, they delivered lively and polished numbers full of energy and zest. Their mischievous nature made them especially enjoyable to watch, and it was clear that the younger members of the audience were completely captivated by their cheeky, playful behaviour. Together, they added a dynamic spark to the show that balanced perfectly with the other characters.

Gus (Asparagus) was portrayed with tenderness and thoughtful understatement, bringing quiet depth to a character rooted in memory and fading glory. His frail, trembling paw was a particularly lovely touch - subtle, yet deeply evocative of a time when the stage was his kingdom. He brought both charm and wistfulness to the role, with a soft, heartfelt singing voice that carried real emotion. A beautifully played, well established character - graceful, sincere, and unforgettable.

Mr Mistoffelees burst onto the stage in a whirlwind of energy, and the actor gave a performance nothing short of magical. From the moment she appeared in that dazzling black-and-white flashing tuxedo, she had the audience utterly captivated. An amazing dancer - so energetic and full of life - she brought every movement to life with infectious charisma. Her conjuring tricks and surreal illusions were a joy to watch, keeping the Jellicles (and all of us) thoroughly enchanted. A glittering, high energy performance that lit up the stage.

Bombalurina was brought to life with bold confidence and striking flair. The actor delivered a glamorous, self-assured, and deliciously sassy performance. Her characterisation was clear and consistent, with every movement sharp and purposeful. From the tilt of her head to the sway of her hips, her body language oozed feline elegance and attitude, perfectly capturing Bombalurina’s commanding, flirtatious nature.

Demeter was absolutely captivating from start to finish. The actor brought depth and nuance to the role, with a beautifully expressive solo in ‘Grizabella, The Glamour Cat’ that was both haunting and heartfelt. Her soulful voice carried emotion with ease, capturing Demeter’s tenderness and emotional depth. Her presence on stage was serene yet compelling, drawing me in every time she appeared. Every glance, gesture, and movement felt intentional and emotionally grounded. A beautifully judged and thoroughly moving portrayal - sincere, powerful, and emotionally rich.

Jennyanydots was a joy to watch, brought to life with humour, charm, and sharp physicality. The actor wore a gorgeous costume - vibrant, detailed, and perfectly matched to the character’s quirky spirit. Those high star jumps were seriously impressive, adding a burst of unexpected energy to the role and perfectly complementing her neat, proper demeanour with sudden flashes of dynamic movement and surprise. Every moment on stage felt considered and full of character, making her performance consistently engaging and fun to follow.

Jellylorum was performed with poise and warmth, bringing a steady, reassuring presence to the stage. The actor carried the role with calm authority and a tenderness that added depth to the ensemble. Her vocals were strong and sincere, especially in moments alongside Grizabella, where her care and compassion were clear. She moved with grace and intention, every gesture thoughtful and in character. A beautifully steady and heartfelt performance that added depth and care to the world of the Jellicles.

Macavity captured the mysterious, clever vibe of this tricky ginger cat. Smooth, sneaky movements and sly expressions made it easy to believe he was always up to something. The performance struck the perfect balance between being a bit dangerous and oddly charming, keeping the audience hooked throughout. With confident presence and subtle gestures, Macavity’s cunning and mischievous nature came vividly to life.

Sillabub brought a wonderful sense of curious innocence to the role, which made every moment feel fresh and engaging. Their gentle singing voice in the reprise of ‘Memory’ was especially impressive - soft, tender, and full of emotion. This blend of softness, subtle strength, and genuine empathy gave the character layers of complexity, revealing both vulnerability and resilience that enriched the portrayal.

Victoria, the elegant white cat, carried herself with effortless feline grace and style. Her movements were smooth and deliberate, perfectly capturing the sleek agility of a cat. She stayed fully in character throughout, creating a striking and graceful presence on stage. Every gesture felt intentional and refined, adding layers of depth and elegance to the role.

The entire ensemble of cats was absolutely fabulous. The energy and commitment each of you brought to the stage were wonderful. You were perfectly in time with one another, each bringing something unique, yet all complementing each other beautifully. I found myself watching every single one of you individually throughout the show and was truly amazed. You should all be incredibly proud of yourselves. The smiles, the spark — it was clear how much you were enjoying being part of such a special, talented team.

The costumes and makeup were absolutely stunning - detailed, creative, and full of personality. Each cat had a distinct look that captured their character beautifully. A few of my absolute favourites were Mr. Mistoffelees, with his sleek, magical sparkle; Old Deuteronomy, whose regal, layered costume gave him such presence; and Jennyanydots, whose playful and clever design perfectly matched her quirky charm. The attention to detail in every look really brought the world of the Jellicles to life.

The choreography was flawless, packed with energetic dance routines that captured the agility, playfulness, and unique personalities of each cat. From nimble leaps to sharp, synchronized group numbers, every movement felt purposeful and full of life. The dancers moved seamlessly across the stage, blending athleticism with storytelling in a way that was both captivating and mesmerizing. Whether it was a fast-paced ensemble piece or a subtle, character-driven moment, the choreography maintained a perfect balance of precision and expression throughout the show.

The lighting was expertly done and played a huge role in setting the tone and atmosphere for the entire show. It shifted seamlessly with the mood - dramatic, playful, or mysterious - always enhancing the action on stage. I especially loved the star-lit back curtain, which added a magical, night sky feel that suited the world of the Jellicle Cats perfectly. One of my favourite moments was the lighting freeze at the end of the Railway Cat number - it created such a sharp, theatrical pause just before the tension of Macavity’s entrance began. A brilliant use of light and timing.

The direction was strong and assured, with a clear sense of purpose and precision. It was evident that each cast member knew exactly where they needed to be and when, creating smooth transitions and a cohesive flow throughout the show. Everyone on stage was smiling, energized, and fully immersed in their roles - a true testament to great direction.

There were so many wonderful moments throughout the show, but a few special highlights stood out for me. The Railway Cat song and dance routine was an absolute joy - lively, precise, and packed with character. The Naming of the Cats was another standout - so many names, so many words to remember, and it was delivered with such focus and rhythm. And lastly, hats off to Old Deuteronomy for staying on stage throughout the interval for photo opportunities with the audience. Remaining in character under the stage lights, while maintaining a lovely sense of gentle nobility, is no small feat. It added a thoughtful and memorable touch to the whole experience.

Thank you for inviting me to such a fantastic afternoon. It was a joy to be part of such a vibrant, imaginative, and beautifully put together production. From the performances to the music, costumes, and atmosphere, every detail was a delight. I left feeling thoroughly entertained and truly impressed by the talent and hard work that went into making the show so special. A huge well done to everyone involved!

 

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