Cats - The Memories Are Still Strong

Despite the thirty-five years since Cats first opened on the West End stage, this Lloyd Webber musical still attracts mixed reactions in the same way it did all those years ago.

It was probably among the first 'danced through' musicals to grace the professional stage and that, in itself, was enough to rattle the cages of those theatre goers used to lots of static 'talking' or 'singing' in between the dancing.

They'd already been introduced to the 'sung-through' genre with the likes of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Evita, but each has a solid storyline. But what of the fragmented nature of Cats? Not so much a 'narrative' as a string of TS Eliot poems set to music.

Those in the 'business' laughed up their sleeves; original director Trevor Nunn's words, not mine. In the end it was small investors clubbing together in the sum of £750 each that raised the remaining £450,000 to put the show on in 1981. Those that stayed the course earned £40,000 as Cats went on to become one of the longest running shows in theatrical history.

Interestingly the production remains true to its original ethos of 'audience participation' in that the cast emerge and continually return to the main auditorium. However, as it tours, the ability to perform 'in-the-round' remains difficult because so many British theatres are proscenium. And, more often than not, the orchestra has to be in the 'pit'. Neither were envisioned by the original production team.

But Cats is a great show. Thank God for varifocals, if only to see the wonderful make up, expressions and rainbow costumes!



It is a show that will, no doubt, deliver something new with every viewing but, again, it is also a musical that attracts mixed reactions. As the audience filed out I heard someone say 'a masterpiece' and in the other ear, '.... I don't know why but not really my cup of tea!'

Personally for me, Cats was a wonderful journey full of pathos and emotion. Yes, it may be about our feline friends, but it is also about life and the characters we meet......the highs, the lows, the outcasts, the good guys, the bad guys and the finality of the end when we all go to that great resting place in the sky.... or wherever you decide it is that you are going to rest!

There were some wonderful performances, sometimes not necessarily the 'biggest' parts although Shiv Rabheru as the magical cat Mr Mistoffelees was wonderfully vibrant, bouncy and full of zest. I also loved Connor McAllister's pathetic Gus the Theatre Cat, at the end of his life and trapped in the glorious memories of a time gone by.

Rebel and ladies' man, Rum Tum Tugger was originally rock 'n' roll but, this time, the naughty boy of the pack was a bit more hip hop than bee bop, and Marcquelle Ward made him as loveable as his original, long gone predecessor.

Sometimes investors take a punt on musical theatre concepts but even the most seasoned of them would be the first to admit that 'winning formula' are two words over which they have no control.

Cats was surrounded by believers and cynics in equal number. But, at the end of the day, it delivered the goods and the critics were silenced.

However, it is so easy to pontificate as to how wrong people were but, then again, hindsight is a very splendid thing, and it is easy to be wise after the event!

Needless to say Cats was a ground breaker and this production of feline foppery is set to be around for a long time yet, because of its universal appeal to all age groups, wonderful showmanship, dancing and performance. A true all round musical.

Cats
Leeds Grand
Until July 2nd
7.30pm