Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats is the longest running Broadway musical ever staged. Over thirty years old now, the show, based on a set of stories by T.S. Elliot, continues to draw crowds. The new David Ian production is much like the show was when it first opened.
The setting is a junkyard, with oversized items to show the size of things if you were a cat. It is incredibly intricate, and interesting all of its own. The opening number, Jellicle Cats, is probably one of the most beloved songs of the show, and this cast sing it with flare as they open the storyline.
If you’re someone who likes linear narrative, this isn’t the show for you. This is the story of individual cats, with the ancient Old Deuteronomy (played by Nicholas Pound) as a central point around which the other cats gather for the Jellicle Ball, and to eventually find out who will be granted an extra life. Pound’s voice is melodic and deep, and his songs were all delivered with beautiful precision and feeling.
Alternating between fast paced and comical, as in the scene with Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer (played by Benjamin Yates and Dawn Williams) and the slow, intense Memory sung by Grizabella the Glamour Cat (played by Joanna Ampil) there is a constant stream of song and dance. The tap scene is particularly energetic and complex. Ampil’s voice fills the theatre with longing and loss, and is by far the best of the show. After the interval the pace picks up slightly, and the staging is used to good effect as the cats leap and tumble around giant tires, old bicycle wheels and pipes. The moments we spend with Shimleshanks (played by Ross Finnie) and Mr Mistoffelees (played by Joseph Poulton) are particularly lively and enthralling.
While there seemed to be some timing issues with the choreography, and it wasn’t always possible to understand the articulation of the singers, which made it hard to understand what was going on at times, the show is fun and engaging. The cats make their way down the aisles, interacting with audience members, and their focus on the stage is always aware of the people watching. A note for people with photosensitivity: this show makes use of flashing lights as well as strobe effect, but only for short periods of time throughout.
This production won’t set your world on fire, but it’s a fun night out.
Cats runs at the Royal Concert Hall from Wednesday 16 until Saturday 26 April.
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