Review: CATS, Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre

Photo credit: Mark Senior

Few musicals have secured their place in theatrical history quite like CATS. Whether viewed as one of musical theatre's great successes or simply one of its most enduring spectacles, it has earned an undeniable place in theatre history. Since its premiere in 1981, it has captivated generations of audiences with its distinctive score, inventive choreography and unique narrative. More than four decades later, the Jellicle cats arrive at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre in a production that feels perfectly matched to its surroundings. Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, this revival embraces the freedom of the open-air setting, allowing the theatre's natural landscape to become an extension of the story. Rather than relying solely on nostalgia (although that helps), it offers a fresh interpretation that reminds audiences why CATS continues to resonate more than forty years after its debut.

The musical unfolds over the course of one extraordinary night as the mysterious Jellicle cats gather for their annual Jellicle Ball. Inspired by T. S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, the show unfolds as a series of character portraits rather than a conventional narrative, celebrating individuality, belonging and the hope of second chances before culminating in one of musical theatre's most recognisable finales.

Sami Fendall's set suggests a rather gentrified world for the Jellicle cats. Gone are the grimy railway sidings and overflowing dustbins, replaced instead by a striking industrial landscape dominated by a sleek metal half-moon. While the concept adds an intriguing new layer to the production, it never feels fully realised. Without more imaginative use of Jessica Hung Han Yun's lighting design, much of the set remains underutilised. There are flashes of theatrical magic, particularly in the sequences involving fire, but visually the production never quite reaches the heights it promises.

Drew McOnie's choreography is ambitious and deserves credit for resisting imitation in favour of reinvention. It feels fresh, contemporary and undeniably brave. However, on this particular evening, the execution lacked the precision needed to make it truly soar. The ensemble were frequently out of sync, and several group numbers suffered from unclear diction. It also became apparent that the balance between dance and vocal performance varied considerably across the company, occasionally disrupting the cohesion of the ensemble.

At this performance, Grizabella was played by understudy Taziva-Faye Katsande, whose showstopping rendition of ‘Memory’ not only stole the evening but arguably saved it. Her performance brought the emotional weight the production had been searching for, delivering the musical's most affecting moment with both vulnerability and power. Jaydon Vijn is equally memorable as Rum Tum Tugger, bringing a playful swagger that feels reminiscent of a British rock star, complete with Bowie-inspired energy. At one point, he even transforms his tail into a microphone, much to the audience's delight.

Visually, the costumes are superb, and the feline physicality that audiences have come to expect from CATS is executed with impressive commitment. Regent's Park Open Air Theatre proves an ideal setting for these felines, with the natural surroundings enhancing the illusion that the cats have taken over the park after dark. It is, however, difficult to imagine quite the same atmosphere being recreated when the production embarks on its forthcoming tour.

CATS remains an enjoyable evening at the theatre. The humour, spectacle and eccentric charm that have kept audiences returning for decades are all still present, and the refreshed choreography gives the production a welcome sense of renewal - even if the unmistakable synthesiser sound remains gloriously intact. Individually, the performers are wholly committed but as an ensemble, they never quite achieve the level of polish required to elevate the production beyond being simply good. For those seeking a nostalgic return to one of musical theatre's most distinctive creations, this revival offers plenty of entertainment, even if it occasionally falls short of its full potential.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Sophie Eaton

CATS plays at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre until 19 September, with further info here.