Cats Cats And More Cats!

Cats are said to have nine lives; the musical by the same name is surely holding down this trait. It just won’t die!

From the original collection of poems - Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats written by T.S. Elliot for his god-children, Cats the musical has barely rested since it was first staged over three decades ago. The latest revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s adaptation comes to us from the original creative team, in a slightly tweaked production.

If it’s the utterly amazing dancers, the mind-blowing voices or simply the fact that there isn’t really a story line, Cats is one of those musicals that you can sit down and enjoy without thinking too hard.

But if you are going for one particular thing, it would have to be Delta Goodrem as Grizabella singing the iconic and climatic song, ‘Memory’. Sending the clichéd shivers down spines and raising goosebumps throughout the audience, the song seems to be made for her voice. Although her acting and dancing skills are slightly lower than those of her cast members, she holds her own through her powerful voice. Having a celebrity cast member will continue to put bums on seats and bring crowds to see the long running musical, and gets Delta utilising that beautiful voice of hers rather than pushing a button on a television show.

The dancing is sublime, skilled and exciting to watch. It has a crazy yet smooth flow of differing styles throughout the show, with everything clicking together. From the demanding and graceful ballet solos of Mr Mistoffelees (Christopher Favaloro), the fun acrobatic duets from Mungojerrie (Brent Osborne) and Rumpleteazer (Dominiqiue Hamilton) to the genuine triple threat of Skimpleshanks (Ross Hannaford).

And yet of all the duets and solo performances, the dynamic and in sync mass choreography from the all-feline cast performing in unison was beyond incredible.

Although some people will hate Cats, there is no denying the skill and charisma that goes into such a production. Well worth looking at people dressed as cats for a few hours.