Review – Cats – The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, London

I’ve seen Cats many times before, and loved it, so I was interested to see what the new creative team would do with it. The answer is: a lot! Drew McOnie has created a version that feels energetic, colourful and full of life, without losing what makes the show so enjoyable in the first place. The setting is absolutely perfect. There is something special about sitting outside in Regent’s Park as the evening gets darker and watching the cats gradually appear around you. The superb lighting design of Jessica Hung Han Yun and Lucy Adams gives the whole show a truly magical feeling. The choreography, by McOnie and Josh Baker, is a huge part of the production, with an incredibly talented ensemble bringing the cats to life through movement, personality and some seriously impressive dancing.

The entire cast is terrific from start to finish. At the forefront, Jack Wilcox gives Munkustrap a strong and reassuring presence, making him a natural guide through this extraordinary feline world. Jaydon Vijn is clearly having enormous fun as the Rum Tum Tugger, bringing bags of charisma and cheeky confidence to the role, Jet Yau is superb as the magical Mr Mistoffelees, combining wonderful stage presence with some breathtaking dancing, while Gary Wilmot brings great charm and affection to Gus the Theatre Cat.

The female cast is lead by Melanie La Barrie, who makes the gender swapped Old Deuteronomy a warm and commanding figure, Charlotte Riby is delightful as Jennyanydots,  while Hannah Joseph shows off her superb dance ability as Victoria. For me, though, Taziva-Faye Katsande (standing in for the indisposed Rachael Wooding) is the emotional heart of the production. Her Grizabella is beautifully performed, and when she sings “Memory” the atmosphere changes completely. It is one of those moments when an already enjoyable evening suddenly becomes genuinely moving. Katsande gives a real sense of vulnerability to the character, and it is hard not to be swept up in the emotion.

Special mention also needs to go to Josie Chambers-Sims as Syllabub, who duets perfectly in the show’s biggest song, Elliot Broadfoot who gives Bustopher Jones a chance to shine, Matthew Caputo who allows Skimbleshanks to display tremendous energy and Diante Lodge who makes Macavity suitably formidable in act two.

What I particularly love is how much personality the whole company brings to the show. These aren’t simply performers dressed as cats; each character feels distinctive, with their own way of moving and interacting. There is an enormous amount going on, and it is a pleasure simply to watch how well the ensemble works together. And then there is the setting. Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre is one of those places where the surroundings become part of the performance, and Cats seems especially suited to it. Watching the show as the evening turns to night adds an atmosphere that would be very difficult to recreate indoors. By the time the cats are fully established in their world, you really do feel as though you have been invited into something slightly mysterious and otherworldly.

There are plenty of familiar moments for long-time fans, but the production also has enough freshness and energy to make the show feel new. The score still sounds fantastic, and almost all of the original songs are still there, such as “Jellicle Ball”, “Mr Mistoffelees” and, of course, “Memory”, all of which are given performances worthy of the occasion. Most of all, this is just a hugely enjoyable night at the theatre. It is funny, spectacular, energetic and surprisingly touching. The combination of the talented cast, McOnie’s inventive staging and that extraordinary outdoor setting makes this Cats a real treat.

I know that Cats has always been regarded as the “Marmite” of musical theatre (you either love it, or hate it) but, if you’re wondering whether this new version is worth seeing, I would absolutely recommend it. Go on a summer evening, settle into your seat, watch the sky darken above the theatre and let the Jellicle cats do the rest. It is a lovely reminder of why live theatre can be so special and why, 45 years after it first appeared, Cats really will be here (as the original strap line said) “Now, and Forever”.

*****   Five Stars