New production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS to play at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre before UK tour

Image credit: Feast Creative

Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, with Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, have announced that a brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation CATS will leap into the magical outdoor setting of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre next summer, prior to a major UK tour.

Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, this production of CATS will run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 25 July – 12 September 2026. It will then embark on a major UK tour through to July 2027, opening in Plymouth before visiting Hull, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Llandudno and Glasgow, with further venues to be announced.

‘Another day is dawning.’

From Euston station to Victoria Grove, the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one. And each of them asks, because each of them dares, who will it be?

With a legendary score featuring ‘Old Deuteronomy’, ‘Macavity: The Mystery Cat’, ‘The Jellicle Ball’ and the chart-topping hit ‘Memory’, this brand-new production of CATS is sure to be one of the theatrical events of 2026. Casting and full creative team to be announced.

Drew McOnie said: “As for many dancers in the industry, CATS was a transformative experience for me and as a former cast member it's thrilling to be directing and choreographing this brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical. I can't wait to share this much-loved piece with a new generation of audiences both in the stunning outdoor setting of Regent's Park Open Air Theatre and in theatres across the UK. With the production heading out on tour, we are delighted that it will reach audiences across the country after its London run, continuing our commitment to working with partners – in this case the brilliant Michael Harrison – to ensure our work is seen by as many as possible beyond our home in Regent’s Park.”

Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “I am very excited to see a totally new production of CATS back on the stage where it belongs. I can think of no-one better than Drew McOnie to bring a new vision to the world of the Jellicles.”

Michael Harrison said: “I am delighted that we will be presenting a brand new production of CATS next summer. Drew is an outstanding artist and it has long felt destined that he would one day reinvent this great musical. Andrew and I are excited to be working with him and his team at Regent's Park, and we look forward to the Jellicle Moon shining brightly on this thrilling new production in the splendour of the Open Air Theatre and at major theatres across the country as part of the new UK tour.”

Tickets for CATS go on sale to the general public on 28 October, with further info here.