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CATS Returns To Australia: A Purrfect 40-Year Celebration

There is something undeniably magical about the theatre, and few musicals capture that enchantment quite like Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic CATS. For decades, audiences across the globe have been whisked away on an unforgettable journey into the mysterious world of the Jellicle cats, enthralled by the show’s exuberant choreography and unforgettable music. Now, 40 years on from its original debut, CATS is returning to Australian stages and promising a spectacular revival of this beloved classic. If you have ever found yourself tapping your feet to showtunes, captivated by elaborate stage productions, or simply intrigued by the phenomenon that is the British “mega-musical,” this upcoming Australian season is guaranteed to awaken your theatrical spirit.

The Origins Of A Global Phenomenon

First staged at the New London Theatre (now known as the Gillian Lynne) in 1981, CATS began its life as a daring fusion of poetry, dance, and music. Andrew Lloyd Webber, already well-known at the time for his work on JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and EVITA, found new inspiration in T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. This collection of whimsical poems about curious felines served as a sturdy foundation upon which Lloyd Webber built a score that was both innovative and hauntingly beautiful.

When CATS opened in London, it broke new ground—both literally and figuratively—thanks to its immersive set design and boundary-pushing choreography. During its original West End run, it played for 21 record-breaking years, achieving almost 9,000 performances. Critics and audiences alike were mesmerised, as the production earned both the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. CATS did not merely attract established theatregoers; it also enticed a whole new generation to experience the wonders of live musical theatre.

In 1982, CATS made its triumphant leap across the Atlantic to Broadway, where it would run for 18 years and garner seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Over time, it has been staged in more than 50 countries, translated into 23 languages, and enjoyed by over 81 million people around the world. This remarkable trajectory arguably helped define the era of the British “mega-musical,” when grand theatrical spectacles—often featuring lavish sets, emotive scores, and epic storylines—dominated stages across continents.

A Triumphant Return Down Under

Australia has long been known for embracing international productions, and the success of CATS here is a prime example. Back on 27 July 1985, the musical had its Australian Premiere at the Theatre Royal Sydney. It was a groundbreaking event that showcased just how much local audiences craved world-class, large-scale productions. This auspicious debut heralded an exciting chapter for the British “mega-musical” in Australia, setting the stage for subsequent popular titles that would grace theatres in the years to come.

Now, producer John Frost for Crossroads Live has announced that CATS will return to Australian stages for its 40th anniversary. Performances kick off from 17 June at Theatre Royal Sydney—just as it did all those years ago—before continuing to Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide from September and Hamer Hall at the Arts Centre Melbourne from December. It is an exciting prospect for theatre fans who have been waiting for a chance to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of the Jellicle world once again.

“CATS is a legendary show that I’ve admired for over 40 years. A sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse, it was revolutionary when it first opened and enticed new audiences into the world of musical theatre,” said John Frost. “I can’t wait to bring the original production of CATS back to Australia to celebrate its 40^th anniversary, not only to Theatre Royal Sydney where it all began, but also to Adelaide and Melbourne. Australia has an enduring love for CATS and it’s time to let the memory live again.”

Captivating Music And Dance

A key part of CATS’ enduring appeal lies in its music. Composed with lyrical flair, Lloyd Webber’s score features sweeping melodies and toe-tapping rhythms that complement the show’s high-energy dance sequences. Perhaps the most famous number is Memory, a haunting ballad performed by the character Grizabella, who reflects on her past and seeks acceptance within the tribe. This emotive song has been recorded by more than 150 artists, including Celine Dion, Barbra Streisand, Nicole Scherzinger, Johnny Mathis, Liberace, and Barry Manilow. Its popularity alone underscores CATS’ remarkable ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, resonating across generations.

Beyond Memory, the score is replete with lively tunes that bring to life each feline personality. From the mischievousness of Rum Tum Tugger to the graceful movements of Mr Mistoffelees, every feline has a distinctive theme or motif that highlights their quirks and charms. When combined with breathtaking choreography—originally developed by the late Gillian Lynne—the music creates a tapestry of sound, movement, and drama unlike anything else in musical theatre. Many fans find themselves drawn again and again to the unique blend of dance techniques, from jazz to ballet, that propels CATS forward with unrelenting energy.

Why CATS Still Enthrals Audiences

What is it about CATS that continues to captivate audiences four decades on? In part, it is the sheer novelty of seeing a musical where the entire cast portrays feline characters, complete with innovative make-up, elaborate costumes, and graceful, cat-like movements. This level of commitment to characterisation extends beyond the stage lights and invites theatregoers to suspend disbelief and engage with a universe ruled by whimsical creatures who sing, dance, and explore philosophical questions about life, rebirth, and acceptance.

Furthermore, CATS represents a milestone in how modern musicals can tackle varied source materials. Adapting Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats might have once been considered a bold or even risky move. Yet, the show’s unfaltering success suggests that by blending poetry, music, and dance, musicals can push boundaries and reinvent themselves in ways that captivate audiences again and again. Indeed, this blending of art forms helped pave the way for other innovative productions that followed.

To truly appreciate CATS, one must also recognise its role in the broader tradition of Australian theatre. Productions such as PHANTOM OF THE OPERA and LES MISÉRABLES have similarly found enthusiastic audiences on Australian stages, reinforcing the idea that local theatregoers relish these global musical sensations. For many fans, the 1985 premiere of CATS in Sydney was more than a spectacle—it was proof that Australia could successfully stage large-scale musicals and bring them to life with just as much skill and passion as any venue on the West End or Broadway.

The Jellicle Ball And The Power Of Ritual

One of the most fascinating facets of CATS is the Jellicle Ball, a gathering that occurs once a year. This event is central to the show’s narrative, as it is the night when Old Deuteronomy—a wise, paternal figure—selects which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn into a new Jellicle life. Beyond its plot function, the Jellicle Ball is a triumphant display of choreographic brilliance. The stage pulses with energy as each cat takes part in what feels like a sacred ritual, a celebration of unity, identity, and hope.

This ritual is deeply rooted in the human desire for renewal. Through the spectacle, audiences witness a group ceremony that transcends typical stage performances, offering a contemplative look at community bonds and existential questions. In an era when technology often dominates our collective experience, the Jellicle Ball stands out as an unspoken reminder of the communal power of live theatre. It emphasises the ways in which a shared experience—actor and audience connecting in real time—can be transformative, a break from our daily routines that can leave us with renewed hope and empathy.

Embrace The Jellicle Experience

If you have never seen CATS live, you may be surprised at how deeply it engages the senses. The intricate sets, designed to resemble a junkyard from a feline perspective, immerse you in a world where even the smallest detail—an oversized tyre or towering boot—becomes part of an intricate playground for the cast to bound across. The lighting, carefully orchestrated to highlight moments of intrigue or reflection, amplifies each transition from comedic playfulness to poignant introspection.

An aspect that many Australian theatre enthusiasts highlight is the emotional arc that travels throughout the production. Although CATS is famed for its energetic dances and explosive numbers, it is equally impactful in its softer moments. The show leaves room for genuine pathos, primarily through the story of Grizabella, who yearns to return to her former glory. Her journey resonates with audiences who have experienced change, loss, or isolation in their own lives. When the entire tribe finally acknowledges her, the emotional payoff is immense—a reminder that acceptance and compassion are vital to any community.

Let The Memory Live Again

In a world that continues to race ahead at breakneck speed, returning to a treasured favourite like CATS can feel akin to reconnecting with an old friend. The show’s themes of belonging, reinvention, and celebration hold as much weight today as they did at its first curtain call. With performances planned at Theatre Royal Sydney from 17 June, followed by Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide from September and Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne from December, there are plenty of opportunities for fans old and new to immerse themselves in this timeless feline odyssey.

Whether you are a seasoned theatre aficionado or someone curious about the enduring appeal of the British “mega-musical,” CATS provides an experience that goes far beyond spectacle. It taps into our longing for connection and community, using dance, music, and verse to weave a story that resonates with audiences across generations and borders. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness a piece of theatrical history brought roaring back to life on Australian stages. Secure your tickets at catsthemusical.com.au, and be prepared to step into a world of magical felines where, for just one night, anything feels possible—and your imagination might just meet its next purrfect adventure.

SYDNEY SEASON DETAILS

Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney
Season: From 17 June
Performance Times: Tues-Thurs 7pm, Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Wed 1pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: catsthemusical.com.au or 1300 163 808
Groups 8+ contact theatreroyalsydney.com/contact-us or 1300 163808