Performance Run: Mon 30 May - Sat 4 Jun 2016

Performance Reviewed: Tue 31 May 2016

It’s difficult to imagine Cats ever being consigned to ‘memory’ given it’s recent slew of high profile revivals and re-imaginings. One of Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s earliest and most beloved pieces, the musical journey through the word of ‘Jellicle’ felines, based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, has had a slew of major UK and European tours in recent years and a highly-celebrated West End run with the likes of Nicole Scherzinger, Kerry Ellis and Beverley Knight headlining as Grizabella. Then there was its tenure in Blackpool last Summer with TV and recording veteran Jane McDonald donning the whiskers and paws for the first time, and just this past week it has been announced that chart-topper Leona Lewis will be making her Broadway debut in the show this July, just as Delta Goodrem has wrapped up her acclaimed run over in Australia.

If the memory is enduring, it certainly isn't unfounded; Cats continues to affirm why it remains as popular and prevalent as ever, with a highly impressive 'straight form the London Palladium' production (which isn't strictly speaking completely true - there are some minor staging compromises), Lloyd Webber’s timeless score and a company bursting with talent and impressive performances.


"Continues to affirm why it remains as popular and

prevalent as ever, with a highly impress 'straight

from the London Palladium' production, Lloyd

Webber's timeless score and a company bursting

with talent and impressive performances."


For those unfamiliar, Cats follows the story of a tribe of nimble, toe-tapping, dump-dwelling ‘Jellicle’ cats who come together for an annual celebratory ball where one of them will be chosen by their venerable leader, Old Deuteronomy (Kevin Jones) for the prestigious honour of ascending to the ‘heaviside layer’ up above where they can be reborn into a new, better life. That is essentially the full gamut as far as the narrative goes, bar a few minor deviations and side-steps (kidnap!…. Cat-nap?), with the show mostly consisting of a series of vignettes showcasing its eclectic mix of characters each with their own particular niche, backstory or angle to be presented in song and dance.

It’s a relatively unique structure and approach, picking and choosing from the source material as it does, and even to this day remains completely distinctive and decidedly high-concept. For those who are not already familiar with the production, then it’s kaleidoscopic, bricolage approach as opposed to a more traditional narrative structure may alienate some expecting a more conventional musical theatre experience. The upside, however, is that this ensemble, almost Vaudeville approach keeps things fresh and brilliantly paced, and is a perfect platform for Lloyd Webber's earlier tendency to lean towards eclecticism. From the jazz and blues stylings of ‘Macavity’, the 1920’s swing vibe of ‘The Old Gumbie Cat’, the newly updated rap stylings of ‘The Rum Tum Tugger’ through to iconic standard ‘Memory’, this remains one of the composer’s most enduring, varied and charismatic bodies of music.


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The current European tour cast, featuring a peppering of some of the recent London company, are exceptional - in fact, the degree to which each of the cast disappear into the idiosyncrasies and mannerisms of their feline counterparts is simply exquisite. With such a strong onus on physicality and movement, coupled with the show’s almost operatic approach occasionally married with mime, the technical skill of its ensemble is pivotal, and it is where this cast absolutely shine. Aided by Gillian Lynne's remarkably characterful, almost balletic choreography and donning the trademark costumes and make-up of the show (which remain as distinctive and effective as ever), this is a troupe at industry-leading standards of brilliance, and ensures Cats remains a brilliantly kinetic and exciting visual treat.

Among the cast, veteran Cats player Matt Krzan continues to prove himself the quintessential Munkustrap, commanding attention throughout and bringing nobility, majesty and rich vocals to the role. Kevin Jones is in fine voice and gentle presence as Old Deuteronomy and Joe Henry is a notably strong Mungojerrie, whilst Lucinda Shaw is an early highlight as a radiant, exuberant Jennyanydots. Marcquelle Ward steps confidently and boyishly into the paws of Rum Tum Tugger Mk II, with this current tour retaining the new, re-imagined take on the character, even with it likely to continue to prove somewhat understandably divisive. 


"And amongst the Sherzingers, McDonalds,

Goodrems and Lewis's, it is musical theatre

star Marianne Benedict who truly shines at

this incarnation's Grizabella."


And amongst the Sherzingers, McDonalds, Goodrems and Lewis's, it is musical theatre star Marianne Benedict who truly shines as this incarnation's Grizabella. An almost towering presence, the tall, slender Benedict applies her physicality to the role perfectly - lending her Grizabella a delicate, dignified poise that aches with fragility. There's fleeting glimpses of Betty Buckley's more regal composure in there, for sure, as well as the recent Sherzinger's more emotive desperation. It's a brilliant interpretation of the character, and Benedict tears through the reprise of 'Memory' in Act II with blistering conviction.

A mostly faithful and brilliant celebration of the strengths and uniqueness of the original show, this latest production of Cats will surely delight existing fans whilst converting newcomers in the process. Given it’s almost vaudeville/revue structure and distinctive look and feel, it is perhaps more of an acquired taste than even some of Lloyd Webber’s other output, and yet at the same time remains one of musical theatre's most irrepressible and popular returnees. Cats remains mostly terrific fun throughout, with catchy, memorable showtunes and terrific audio-visual design, with a simply stellar company whose performances both physical and vocal are amongst the most impressive and entertaining you will likely find on stage outside of London. 

Cats is an easy recommendation and the purr-fect reason to head Birmingham-way this half term.

And if Cats do indeed have nine lives, then this latest European tour is one that certainly hasn’t been wasted...


CATS is running at the Birmingham Hippodrome from Monday 30 May to Saturday 4 June 2016.

CLICK HERE for more information on the show's run at the Hippodrome and to book your tickets!
Alternatively, call Ticket Sales directly on 0844 338 5000 now to book your tickets!


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