Photo: Mark Senior
The cast of CATS have arrived in style dominating the scene with feline grace. And they’re ready to slink into the spotlight. Regent’s Park Theatre came alight with contemporary dance in a jaw dropping performance of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s theatrical classic, CATS. The excitement and buzz in the audience of anticipation was palpable. The set, a rustic crescent moon lit the sky with a warm glow as the smaller moon orbited with ease against the darken sky. A vision captured perfectly for a night of feline adventure and storytelling. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity here, there is so much to appreciate, and time given to lose yourself in the ‘magic’ of the music and artistry unfolding before you.
The longevity of Andrew Lloyd Webbers CATS now 45yrs old is a testament to its historical background. Music composed by Webber and based on the poetry collection by T.S. Eliot is creativity and art rolled into one musical experience. This revived and adapted version feels different in a good way, true to its originality from when it was first seen in The New London theatre in the West End (Now the Gillian Lynne) in 1981.
Watch as the CATS prowl and stalk in unison creating shapes and meaning as each ‘CAT’s story is introduced. So familiar to many audiences but will certainly inspire a new generation of ‘CATS’ lovers. Meet the CATS Jennyanydots Gumble, Macavity, Mr Mistoffelees to the naughty cats Mungojerrie & Rumpleteazer plus may more.
The story is well known for Grizabella played magnificently by the cover Taziva- Faye Katsande. Theatre cat Gus performed by Gary Wilmot and old Deuteronomy, Melanie La Barrie, whose credits include Hades Town.
Featuring Memory, Jellicle songs for Jellicle cats, and the whole soundtrack. I smiled my way through this production and there were moments of awe.
All the ensemble cast looked beautiful and were superb and credit to the artistic imagination of choreography I could not take my eyes off the movement. The musical direction catapults you back to a time when you first heard those magical songs.
Overall, this production feels fresh dynamic and unique; simply Poetry in Motion.
Director & Choreographer: Drew Mc Onie
Musical Director: Geraint Owen
Musical Supervisor: Alex Parker
Writer & Lyricist: T. S. Eliot and Based on ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’
Set, Costume Designer: Sami Fendall
Starts at 7.45pm running time 2hrs 30minutes including a 20-minute interval
Run 25th July – 19th September 2026
Booking link: https://openairtheatre.com/production/cats
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 7th August 2026
North West End UK Rating:
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