BIG musical numbers, an impressive set and convincing costume, but these Cats have had their nine lives.
Hot on the trails from sell-out seasons in London, Cats the musical is being performed at the Birmingham Hippodrome this week.
Having never seen Cats before, and knowing little of the storyline – turns out there isn’t much of one – I left the first half of the show very confused.
The musical is adapted from TS Eliot’s ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’ and sees Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball where their wise leader, Old Deutronomy, chooses which of the cats is reborn into a new life.
The musical works through the tale of the cats, with highlights including rapping cat Rum Tum Tugger and the magical and musical Mr Mistoffelees.
Original choreographer Gillian Lynne has done a fantastic job with the routines – with the cats even dancing in the aisles.
Incredible lighting displays, along with a heartfelt, spine-tingling, rendition of ‘Memories’ by cat Grizabella – played by Marianne Benedict – makes up for the lack of story.
If you’re looking for a night out with some singing and dancing, go and buy a ticket. But if you’re looking for something more, and an easy story to follow, maybe give this one a miss.
