Cats the Musical

It gladdened my heart to see that, once more, LAOS - The Musical Theatre Company are 'back where they belong' - on the Leeds Grand Theatre stage and what a grand production of 'Cats - the Musical' - they gave us!

'Cats' originally opened in London in 1981 - critics were divided in their reviews, as this was a new style of presentation, different from traditional narrative, there being no spoken dialogue, but audiences thought differently and it ran both here and on Broadway for 18 years. There have been many professional revivals and tours, but the rights holders, the Really Useful Group, have allowed a handful of top amateur groups to perform the show, LAOS being one. However, I understand this has not been without difficulties - the complicated contract forbade the use of the original set and costume design. This did not faze the remarkable creative team at LAOS one bit. In a superb production, directed and choreographed by Louise Dennison and with musical director Jim Lunt, delighted audiences having once again connected the stories of T.S.Elliot's Old Possum Book of Practical Cats. Louise's choreography is second to none - a breathtaking opening number (Jellical Cats) introduces us to this feline tribe followed by dazzling musical numbers throughout the show - backed by Jim's excellent mastery of Andrew Lloyd Webber's score and a fine orchestra.

The principal 'Cats' of the cast were of the highest standard both in song and dance - 'Grizabella', the glamour cat, whose lustre has faded, was performed poignantly and sung beautifully by Jacqueline Bell; 'Old Deuteronomy', the tribe's patriarch, was given excellent treatment by Richard Pascoe, as always in fine voice; 'Munkustrap', the Narrator, Ben Walton, energetic and dignified, sassy tomcat, 'Rum Tum Tugger', Alex Bradbury-Hall, 'Macavity', the mystery cat, Alex Ivanov, fat cat 'Bustopher Jones', Elliot Matthews,'Asparagus/Growltiger', Chris Knight, Magical 'Mr Mistoffolees/Quaxo', Harry Wilson, the naughty cats 'Mungojerrie', James Buckley and 'Rumpleteazer', Leah Darby, 'Bombalurina', Tanya Willis, 'Skimbleshanks', Connor Baldwin, 'Jennyanydots' the Gumby cat, Charlotte McCamley, Jellylorum/Griddlebone', Alexandra Mather, 'Demeter', TeeJay Brown, 'Jemima', Ella Wilson and I must make special mention of Erin Chapman who danced 'Victoria' with such elegance - they all played their parts to perfection. The principal 'Cats' were well supported by an exceptional team of fellow felines, plus, a delightful team of 'Kittens' - a lovely concept.

Special mention must be given to Andrew Thomson, Production and Stage Manager and his technical team. The original costume and make up designs by Helen Thomson worked well and looked stunning.The sets, lighting and sound were designed byTech247 excellently.Well designed wigs by Janet Page and make up advisor Danni Alexandra, complimented the costumes - the overall look was beautifully conceived.

For me this was a nostalgic return to one of my favourite musicals. It was enthusiastically received by the audience, as well it should be. In other words a Purr....fect evening's entertainment.

My sincere congratulations to everyone involved, on-stage, backstage and front-of-house.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.