T. S. Eliot's whimsical poetry collection Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats was published in 1939. More than four decades later, Andrew Lloyd Webber transformed most of its poems into Cats, which premiered in 1981 and became a theatrical phenomenon, running for 21 years in the West End and 18 on Broadway. Eliot's poems introduce an eccentric gallery of feline characters including Jennyanydots, The Rum Tum Tugger, Bustopher Jones, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, Gus the Theatre Cat, Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat, Growltiger, Macavity and Mr Mistoffelees. Lloyd Webber and director Trevor Nunn fashioned a slender narrative around them, introducing the outcast Grizabella, who does not appear in Eliot's collection, and giving her the now iconic song "Memory." The story centres on the annual Jellicle Ball, where the elderly Old Deuteronomy gathers the tribe to celebrate each cat through song and dance before choosing one to be reborn into a new Jellicle life. Narrative has never been Cats' strongest suit. It is simply a framework for a succession of musical set pieces. Fortunately, these prove to be eminently enjoyable. Danny Nattrass and Briana Craig are irresistibly playful as the mischievous Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, Matthew Caputo brings warmth and effortless charm to Skimbleshanks, and Jet Yao impresses with dazzling precision as Mr Mistoffelees. As always however, the evening belongs to Grizabella. Taziva-Faye Katsande creates a character who is both vulnerable and dignified, and she makes "Memory" entirely her own with a moving, beautifully judged performance. The production is also a visual treat. The earth-toned costumes create a believable feline world without sacrificing individuality, while Drew McOnie's choreography is fluid, inventive and full of character, capturing both the grace and playfulness of these distinctive cats. Those who have never warmed to Cats are unlikely to be converted by this production, but for devoted fans this polished and affectionate revival does full justice to one of musical theatre's most enduring hits. For them, McOnie's interpretation should prove to be very much the cat's meow.
Rated: ★★★★
Reviewed by J.C.
Photo by Mark Senior
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