Andrew Lloyd Webber’s first memory of TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats is of his mother reading him the poems at bedtime when he was six. Eliot had written the poems in the 1930s for his godchildren.
In 1978, Lloyd Webber wanted to find out if he could write melodies to existing words – setting the poems to music. (Until then, he had collaborated with Tim Rice, his lyricist).
CATS had very successful runs on the West End and Broadway in the 1980s (with the collaboration of choreographer Gillian Lynne and Royal Shakespeare Company director, Trevor Nunn), and continues to re-run to new generations now. Sydney’s first production was 40 years ago, 1985, at the Theatre Royal, where it is on now.
It has stood the test of time with new, innovative technologies, updated orchestration and feisty choreography, including acrobatics, modern ballet and tap dancing. The set design by John Napier has remained very similar – the surreal world of London’s alley cats, with a large junkyard, scattered outsized rubbish objects and a starlit sky.
It was suggested over 40 years ago that CATS “isn’t a great musical, but it’s a great show and an ironclad smash”. It is not narrative driven, there is no dialogue. Its power is in its 21 charismatic, dynamic songs. Memory, sung by Grizabella, the cat of faded beauty, stands on its own.
A haunting, beautiful song, which climbed the music charts in the early 80s is sung twice in the show. All the songs are diverse, sometimes funny and different. The performers are to be congratulated for stunning stage work -brilliant dancing and singing. The choral harmonies ring out and touch you.
It is hard to single out performances. Todd McKenny’s Gus, the theatre cat, is delightful and sentimental. Axel Alvarez, as Mr Mistoffelees, is the agile, mysterious magician, an extraordinary dancer. Leigh Archer as Gumby Cat was wonderful and cheers also to her cat tap choreographer, Bill Deamer.
I noticed how much the children in the audience loved the show. It’s not hard to see why. Many audience members arrived in their cat paraphernalia .
It’s a highly enjoyable and visually exciting show with great music.
CATS is playing the Theatre Royal Sydney until September 6th, 2025.
Production photography by Daniel Boud
