Review - Cats

    ***WRITTEN BY ME FOR BACKSTAGE PASS*** 

 

Cats is a musical that stands alongside few others as one of the longest running shows in musical theatre history. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and boasting 21 years in the West End and 18 years on Broadway, it has captured the hearts of audiences on a global scale.

Based on T.S. Eliot's work 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats', we follow a group of Jellicle cats as they prepare for the annual Jellicle ball, where one from their midst will be selected to journey to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn and embark on a new life.

Basing an entire musical on a book of poems about the psychology of cats doesn't allow for an intricate plot and this is the main downfall of the show. Although we given a detailed introduction to each cat, there is little storyline to tie these pieces together and at times this renders the show difficult to follow.

However the show's saving graces are its breathtaking choreography, stunning costumes and impressive set, comprising of the various debris of a junkyard spilling off stage into the audience. Consistently mesmerising dance numbers and beautiful instrumentals more than made up for the lack of stand out songs with the exception of the iconic song 'Memory'.

Cats is very much an ensemble piece with no one feline overshadowing the next. Each cast member has their own chance to shine and their performances are seamless both individually and as a group.

It's clear that despite being 32 years old, the production has not lost momentum and will continue to dazzle audiences for many years to come. 

Spotify Sunday - My Top Touring Songs of 2013

Hello everyone and welcome to my new feature, 'Spotify Sunday'. Every few weeks I'll be sharing a different themed playlist with you - all theatre based of course - and to kick it off this week here are my top show tunes from some of the productions that are - or will be - heading to a venue near you in the next 12 months. I haven't been getting to London as often as I'd like this year so I find myself relying more and more on touring productions to get my theatre fix, and there are some crackers coming up. 

First on the playlist has to be Defying Gravity, the song that I hold responsible for fuelling this little obsessi... em hobby. Wicked starts its debut UK tour in November and I think it's going to be one that gets everyone talking. I am hoping for some cast announcements soon. 

You Can't Stop The Beat from the bright and colourful Hairspray is next on the list. After seeing the show last weekend this track has been a firm iPod fav, this is such an upbeat song that is sure to perk you up no matter what mood you're in.

Song number 3 is the heart-wrenching With You from the equally heart-wrenching show, Ghost. I first saw Ghost in London with Rebecca Trehearn as understudy Molly so i'm thrilled she has been cast for the lead role in the tour - she is awesome.

9 to 5 was one of those musicals I went in with no expectations, I was reviewing it for Backstage Pass and to be honest didn't have high hopes. Boy was I proved wrong... I loved it! 'Get Out and Stay Out' was the 11 o'clock number and has such relatable lyrics that I had it downloaded before I was home.

Memory is one of those show tunes that most people have heard, and has achieved a somewhat iconic status over the years. I haven't actually seen Cats before so I can't wait to see this classic musical come to life on stage.

Last but not least the fab Take Me Or Leave Me from my current show of the moment Rent. After seeing the anniversary concert I have gone into full on 'Rent head' mode. There was an announcement on Twitter that the concert may tour again in November... roll on!