More than forty years since it first leapt onto the stage, Cats remains a bold, beautiful, and captivating force in theatre. Summoned from feline folklore and twilight dreams beneath the Jellicle moon, this fiercely imaginative musical defies narrative norms in favour of poetry, dance, and emotional resonance. With its rich score and unforgettable characters, Cats now returns in triumph with a new national tour.
The concept and lyrics of Cats have long been polarising, as they can feel elusive or confusing if not handled with care. T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats—a collection of whimsical feline poems are elliptical and layered, full of metaphor and mood. So let’s be clear—while the haphazard 2019 film adaptation was universally panned and did little to endear a new audience, this stage version remains a very different beast.
Trevor Nunn’s direction honours the original while infusing it with fresh vitality, expertly capturing the essence of the Jellicle journey and striking a seamless blend of tradition and innovation. Wonder and profundity intertwine masterfully here, making the abstract feel intimate and the enigmatic unforgettable.
As expected from a groundbreaking 1980s work, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s eclectic and evocative score leans into synthesiser textures, while effectively blending dynamic orchestration to envelop the audience in a haunting, otherworldly soundscape. The setting—a nocturnal junkyard is transformed with evocative lighting into a mystical world, and is as much a state of mind as a physical place, inviting us to experience the story as a ritual of memory, identity, and rebirth.
One of the true beauties of Cats is its diverse cast of characters—where else does a company of 25-plus performers get to be so individual, distinct, and irresistibly idiosyncratic? Each brings their own unique flair. This cast is superb, delivering rich character, vocal power, and magnetic stage presence, anchoring the story with heart, humour, and grace.
Mark Vincent’s commanding presence and resonant vocals make him a deeply compelling Old Deuteronomy who guides the Jellicle cats through their mystical ceremony and chooses the cat destined for renewal. Due to illness, swing artist Aimee Jones stepped in for Gabriyel Thomas with remarkable grace, embodying the tragic Grizabella with profound sensitivity. Jones delivered a deeply nuanced and heartfelt rendition of “Memory,” unfolding from fragile vulnerability to a powerful, emotionally charged climax that lingered long after the final note.
Todd McKenney is unrecognisable, delivering pure theatrical joy in his dual roles. As Bustopher Jones, he's dapper and droll, a picture of feline refinement; but it’s as Gus the Theatre Cat where McKenney truly shines, giving a moving and affectionate portrait of faded theatrical glory that brims with quiet pride.
Lucy Maunder lends Jellylorum a gentle poise and quiet strength, her soprano soaring with clarity and care. Leigh Archer brings infectious humour and old-fashioned vaudeville charm to Jennyanydots. Her tap number is a pure delight—sprightly, surprising, and full of character, crafting a lovable matriarch with twinkle-toed joy. Jarrod Draper’s Munkustrap serves as the production’s steady pulse and vigilant leader—a compelling narrator and portrait of calm strength and feline finesse.
Des Flanagan is a force to be reckoned with as Rum Tum Tugger—swaggering, sassy, and every bit the irresistible rogue. He bursts with magnetic energy and rock-star vibes, delighting the crowd with every flip of his mane and hip-thrust. Jake O’Brien and Savannah Lind are wickedly mischievous as Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, delivering playful precision and comic timing, while Ed Smith brings smoldering danger to the elusive Macavity.
Claudia Hastings displays exceptional technical skill and graceful expressiveness as Victoria, the White Cat, embodying the character’s innocence and fluid elegance, while Olivia Carniato plays Demeter with slinky grace and layered allure. Tom Davis exudes grounded charm and jaunty flair as Skimbleshanks and Axel Alvarez is Mr. Mistoffelees, who captivates with balletic finesse and radiant joy. His effortless leaps, precise turns, and magnetic charisma bring the role brilliantly to life.
This revival’s power lies in a cast that doesn't just tell the Jellicle tale—they embody it, radiating the story’s heart and soul with mesmeric poise. The physical expression is nothing short of extraordinary—a choreographic marvel where every twitch of a tail and arch of a back flows directly from Eliot’s verse, elevating the production beyond mere spectacle.
This is Cats at its most compelling—immersive, exhilarating and hauntingly beautiful. The version you didn’t know you were waiting for. It reignites the story’s spiritual heartbeat, inviting us into a timeless celebration of renewal and belonging, and deepening our appreciation for the mysterious, soulful creatures at its core. A night pulsing with lasting memories—Cats lives again.
Cats is playing at the Sydney Theatre Royal until September 6, 2025
https://catsthemusical.com.au/tickets/sydney/
Reviewed by: Faith Jessel