I’ve sat staring at this blank page for a good 45 minutes, trying to work out what to write about CATS.
I’ve seen some of the best dancing from an absolutely phenomenal cast and ensemble this evening. And yet, I can’t bring myself to give this musical more than 3 stars. Which honestly pains me, because the cast are absolutely sublime.
Having never seen CATS before, I spent a fair amount of the show trying to work out what was actually going on.
I knew there would be cats (obviously!) and the song Memories, but beyond that, my knowledge was limited. And if I’m being honest, I found the story a bit of a mishmash. There were so many characters and individual performances that I struggled to piece everything together. I kept trying to work out how it all fitted together and where it was heading, but I never quite found my footing.
Visually, though, there is plenty to catch your eye. The giant moon, the moonlight seeping through the dark trees and the sparks and fire effects all helped to create a striking atmosphere.
But for me, it was the dancers who really stole the show.
The way they move, slink, stretch and prowl like actual cats is incredible. It’s not just about the dancing itself, but the detail in every movement and the way they bring these characters to life through their physicality. You can’t help but admire the sheer talent and control it takes to do that for a full 2 hours 25 minutes on the stage.
And then there’s Memories.
It’s such an iconic song, and as a huge fan of Dame Elaine Paige, I’ve listened to her sing it as Grizabella on the radio countless times. So I was genuinely chuffed to hear it performed live, multiple times throughout the production.
Louise Dearman sang it so beautifully. Having grown up listening to Elaine Paige’s version, I wondered how it would compare, and it was every bit as captivating. It was one of those moments when you can just sit back and appreciate the magic of musical theatre.
I think that’s what makes my feelings about CATS so frustrating. There is so much talent on that stage, some incredible dancing, striking staging and music I absolutely loved. But I never quite connected with the production as a whole.
I appreciate that CATS is an iconic musical and that it doesn’t follow the traditional storyline you might expect. Perhaps those who know and love it already will get far more from the experience than I did. As a first-time viewer, though, I found myself admiring the individual performances far more than being swept up in the story.
3 stars from me (sorry). A phenomenal cast, breathtaking dancing and beautiful performances of Memories, but a production that never quite came together for me, but please do give it a try yourself, as I am positive many will love it.
CATS is at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 7 November 2026.
Book your tickets here: https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/cats-two/
Disclaimer: I was invited to the Press Media Night – all thoughts are entirely my own.