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Inspired by "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" by T.S. Eliot.
ACT I
It is night time in a junkyard, cats start to flow in from all directions - they are the Jellicle cats greeting each other as they assemble for their annual junkyard Ball (Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats) - "Jellicles can and Jellicles do". Suddenly the cats realise they are being watched and proceed to instruct us in what makes Jellicle cats special from ordinary cats. They explain that Jellicle cats are each given three names, an everyday day, a dignified name, and a secret name to contemplate over (The Naming of Cats). The Ball begins (Invitation to the Jellicle Ball) and the cats in turn take centre stage to introduce themselves and compete for the great prize of the evening, a chance to be reborn. The first cat to compete is Jennyanydots (The Old Gumbie Cat), followed by The Rum Tum Tugger, a suave but rather contrary character. But then proceedings are interrupted by the arrival of Grizabella, the Glamour Cat. Once young and beautiful, Grizabella is now old and haggard, she begs to be allowed to come to the Ball but is driven away by the other cats who dissaprove of her later life of prostitution. The next cat to stake his claim is Bustopher Jones, a sophisticated society cat fattened by years of fine living. Ominous noises then frighten the cats into hiding, all except Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, a pair of mischeivious cat burglars who relate their story. Then the leader of the Jellicle clan arrives, Old Deuteronomy, and the one who will chosse the winner of a new life. But first, Munkustrap entertains the gathering by relating the tale of The Awefull Battle Between the Pekes and Pollicle Dogs. The tale over, the entire company of cats rejoin the celebrations (The Jellicle Ball). When Grizabella returns, the other cats disdainfully depart, leaving her alone to greive over happier days (Memory), not knowing that Old Deuteronomy is watching her.
ACT II
Old Deuteronomy has rejoined the other cats in another part of the junkyard, announcing that he will soon choose the cat most deserving to be reborn (The Moments of Happiness). Jellylorum introduces the next candidate, Gus: the Theatre Cat. Gus is now past his prime but was once a great cat actor, he relives in his mind one of his favorite parts, Growltiger's Last Stand. When Gus retires it is the turn of Skimbleshanks, the Railway Cat, who expounds on his work at the railway station. But then there are ominous noises again, the feared Macavity has arrived to gatecrash the Ball. Angered by not being invited, Macavity and his henchman capture Old Deuteronomy and drag him away. Whilst some of the cats go off in search of Deuteronomy, Demeter and Bombalurina recount the crimes of the wicked Macavity ("The bafflement of Scotland Yard, the flying squad's despair") that have made him so feared. Finally, the cats corner Macavity, but without Deuteronomy. A fight ensues but before the cats can learn the whereabouts of Deuteronomy Macavity electrocutes himself with a bang and a flash, but when the smoke clears there is no sign of him. The Rum Tum Tugger suggests that maybe the magical cat, Mister Mistoffelees, can bring back Old Deuteronomy. Mistofelees performs his magic and Old Deuteronomy is restored unharmed. Grizabella returns for a third time and sings of her desire to be reborn and to live again a better life, like the happy memories of happier times (Memory) - "I remember the time I knew what happiness was". This time, at Old Deuteronomy's prompting, the other cats treat her more kindly for it is her that he has chosen to receive the great gist of rebirth. Old Deuteronomy escorts Grizabella on the first part of The Journey to the Heaviside Layer where she is to be reborn. All the cats celebrate and as the Ball comes to an end Old Deuteronomy reminds reminds them of their special privileges as cats (The Ad-dressing of Cats). Finally, all the cats disperse until next year.
This was a high quality production with a large and talented cast and impressive sets and costumes. The stage is made to look like a corner of a larger than life junkyard, these are cats after all, not humans. Dominating the scene are an old cooker, the back end of a rusting automobile and a huge tyre which rises up on a cloud of mist when Old Deuteronomy sets Grizabella off on her journey to the Hevyside Layer. The costumes are mostly tight-fitting bodysuits in a dazzling variety of colours and designs from simple snow white to tiger stripes. Each, of course, has a tail, and face paints and wigs finish off the cat like appearance.
The music is wonderful, at times discordant, at others hauntingly lyrical, and encompasses some truly fine numbers, Memory and Mr Mistofelees being perhaps the most instantly recogniseable. Of course, just as much a part of this show as the singing is the dancing which was conducted with great precision of movement, capturing the essence of the individual characters and emulating the lissom grace of a genuine feline.
The cast was so uniformly excellent it seems a little unfair to pick out any for special praise but here are mention of a few who left a lasting impression: Nick Pound as Old Deuteronomy has a fine voice and great stage presence, and looked and acted every bit the elder statesman. Diane Pilkington as Grizabella may not have possessed quite the vocal range of Elaine Paige from the original cast but lacked nothing in power or passion. Her reprise of Memory was so intense that one could feel her pain. Zak Nemorin and Sarah Meade gave us a wonderful song and dance number as Mungojerry and Rumpleteazer which was one of the highlights of the evening and left them, and the audience, quite breathless at the end. Christopher Howell as Bustopher Jones/Growltiger and Lorraine Graham as Jennyanydots were both standouts and gave us some of the most amusing and more surreal moments of the evening. Gary Watson's Rum Tum Tigger was superb, and his vocal accompaniment to Trevor Schoonrad's dazzling dancing as Magical Mister Mistoffeles provided one of the act two highlights. Finally, Rachel Ensor as Victoria (the White Cat) also caught the eye for the particular grace of her cat-like movements.
A superb revival of the 80's classic musical. Not perhaps as fresh as on its first release, but just as powerful.