Cats

The Journey to Wigmore

It was a real pleasure to visit Wigmore High School, the newest members of NODA West Midlands District 1. While Andy had unfortunately taken a rather “alternative” route to Wigmore the previous evening, my own journey was thankfully straightforward, taking me through the glorious Herefordshire countryside on relatively quiet roads.

A Warm Welcome

I arrived in plenty of time and was greeted by a stream of cheerful, enthusiastic and welcoming students, who directed me to a very welcome parking space beneath the shade of the trees. Given that the temperature was not expected to fall below 30°C, this was a particularly good start to the evening.

Anticipation for the Production

As I made my way in, I followed a group of family members who were comparing how many times they had already seen the show and speaking warmly about the talents of those involved. Their enthusiasm was infectious, and it set a very positive tone for the production ahead.

The welcome from the staff was genuinely humbling, and I was equally impressed by the pupils who eagerly escorted me through the entrance to meet the director, Vicki Austen. She then showed me to my seat in what can only be described, with some understatement, as an oven.

The Production

There was time to admire the set, designed by Vicky Walker and Chris Morgan. Although minimal, it effectively evoked the alleyway associated with the original production, with a beautiful moon suspended above the 60-strong ensemble. As the cast took their places for the opening number, some in the hall and others on the steps and extended staging, they were all fully in character and remained so throughout. Given the heat, this was no small achievement.

The costumes and make-up were a real success. I particularly liked the consistent placement of the girls’ topknots, which cleverly suggested ears. The parent who hand-painted each leotard with feline markings was deservedly praised and thanked for her dedication at the end of the evening. The costumes were striking, and the fur worn by some cast members suited their roles perfectly. The lighting effects, haze and bubble machines enhanced the magic of the production without ever becoming intrusive.

The production team must have been immensely proud of the result. The cast remained focused and assured throughout, showing impressive discipline and professionalism.

The ensemble numbers were delivered with remarkable precision, reflecting the dedication and rehearsal needed to achieve such control. Their crisp, on-the-beat delivery was mesmerising. The dynamic phrasing gave the storytelling real impact. Musical Director Gemma King deserves great credit for achieving this effect and ensuring that no one was even a beat, or a hair’s breadth, out of time.

Vicki Austin’s direction was impressively creative, particularly given the large number of pupils involved and the restricted stage space. The cast moved purposefully and confidently into position, using the available area to excellent effect. Entrances and exits through the auditorium were handled well and added real drama to the more emotional moments.

Choreographers Summer B Morgan and Daisy Palmer, supported by Sam and Poppy, did a sterling job, creating routines that were clearly enjoyed by both the audience and the cast. The tap routine perfectly evoked the image of a train, with its precision adding real drama to the number.

The principals gave heartfelt performances that clearly resonated with many parents in the audience. In such a strong company, it would be unfair to single out only a few, as every character contributed to a stage full of sass, attitude and talent. The lively numbers, including Rum Tum Tugger, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, Magical Mister Mistoffelees and The Old Gumbie Cat, captivated the audience, while the more emotional scenes were equally powerful. Grizabella and Jemima’s Memory, alongside Old Deuteronomy and Gus the Theatre Cat, was particularly moving. The finale, The Ad-dressing of the Cats, brought this wonderful production to a fitting and emotional close.

If this performance reflects the standard we can expect from Wigmore High School, I very much look forward to their next production. Thank you, Wigmore, for such a warm welcome.

Louise Hickey MBE, Regional Representative District 1

Lou has captured my journey the evening before her visit admirably. Having surpassed this, however, it was the sight of a small number of pupils standing on the roadside that led me to discover the school building and the venue for this production.

Cats is based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. The original West End production ran for exactly 21 years at the New London Theatre, now named the Gillian Lynne Theatre. Gillian Lynne created the iconic choreography for the original production, which became one of the defining features of the show.

What was immediately apparent to me was the almost whole-school involvement in this production. Every pupil, whether involved on stage or supporting the event through car parking, directing visitors, managing the raffle (including announcing the draw), serving refreshments or assisting with clearing up, demonstrated a genuine pride in their school.

I was pleased to have the opportunity to speak with Vicki and the production team, as well as Dr Robert Patterson, Headteacher, and to see first-hand the commitment and enthusiasm that had gone into bringing this production to life.

Louise has captured very well the quality of the performance, including the costumes, choreography and teamwork. Cats is, of course, a production that provides opportunities for many individual characters to be showcased, although even this musical cannot accommodate such a large number of performers in principal roles. However, what was particularly evident in this production was that every member of the cast was important. Each performer contributed to the overall success, and without any one individual the production would have been different.

Early in the show comes “The Naming of Cats”, which was performed with excellent unison, rhythm and clarity. This was a strong indication of the quality of the production that was about to unfold. I also fully agree with Louise’s comments regarding the presentation of “Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat”, which was another highlight of the evening.

I am delighted to be able to welcome Wigmore High School staff and pupils to their membership of NODA. We look forward to hearing about your future productions and the next chapter in your theatrical journey.

Andy Brown, Regional Councillor NODA West Midlands

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