Cats – Review – Hull New Theatre
By Rachel Howard, October 2026
The year is 1981 and Andrew Lloyd Webber is launching his new musical, Cats, at the New London Theatre in the West End. It receives rave reviews but I wonder if even he could have predicted the unprecedented and long-running success that would follow this show for the next 45 years.
Cats is one of those shows that, quite simply, epitomises musical theatre. Alongside Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, it remains a must-see for all theatre fans, so it’s no surprise that it’s a packed house for opening night at Hull New Theatre.
It’s been a good few years since I last saw Cats, and I’m excited for what’s to come from this touring version of the West End and Broadway classic.
Cats is an unusual beast when it comes to musicals in the sense that it lacks any real meaty storyline. Set against the backdrop of TS Eliot’s 1939 poetry collection, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the musical charts the lives of a tribe of felines known as the Jellicle Cats. A hodgepodge of characters, the Jellicles gather together for the annual Jellicle Ball, dancing by the light of the Jellicle moon as their leader, Old Deuteronomy, chooses one cat to ascend to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn into a new life.
“Gravity-defying”
Rather than a traditional, linear storyline, we are introduced to the characters one by one, as each cat shares its own story and personality in something akin to a feline variety show,
Among the familiar names strutting their stuff are Rum Tum Tugger (Jaydon Vijn), a leather-clad, playful prankster who prowls and sashays around the stage in a Mick Jagger-esque fashion.
Mr Mistoffelees (Jet Yau) is a gravity-defying, breakdancing tomcat that ups the energy, displaying all manner of near-impossible feats.
Gus the Theatre Cat (Elliot Broadfoot) pulls at everyone’s heartstrings as the old and feeble cat who longs to relive his halcyon days on the stage.
Mungojerrie (Danny Nattrass) and Rumpleteaser (Briana Craig) are a mischievous duo of cat burglars, wickedly working their way around the stage, eyeing up their next mission.
“Devilish”
Old Deuteronomy (Kalisha Amaris) is the beloved yet mighty leader of the Jellicles. Displaying warmth as well as an overarching authority, the Jellicles bow to Deuteronomy’s higher power.
Macavity (Dianté Lodge) is the malevolent criminal cat that is teased throughout the show. The stage is plunged into darkness as the terrified Jellicles whisper “Macavity” and the devilish silhouette of the fearsome feline appears in the light of the moon.
Every performer on stage tonight portrays their roles to perfection. Not only do they embody the personality of their characters, but their physical representations are equally as impressive. Whether it is leaping, prowling, clawing or preening, they capture the essence of each cat magnificently. It really is a sight to behold.
“Brilliantly effective”
And then, of course, there’s Grizabella (Louise Dearman), a role made famous by the musical theatre legend Elaine Paige and whose story is almost as famous as Cats itself. A once glamorous cat, Grizabella has since fallen from grace and is seeking not only her old self, but the acceptance of the other Jellicles. Her deepest thoughts and fears come to a head in her performance of ‘Memory’, perhaps Cats’ most famous musical number. Teased a couple of times throughout the first half, I brace myself for the full, roof-raising version in the second half and wow, it does not disappoint. Louise Dearman – you have brought us to our knees. I sob, everyone around me sobs, people search frantically for tissues. I can honestly say I have never been more moved in a theatre in my life. I’ve got goosebumps just thinking about it.
Director and choreographer Drew McOnie deserves huge praise for managing to maintain the magic of a classic show yet blend in new, recharged energy, emotion and spectacle.
As well as the undisputed talent on stage, special mentions must be given to Set, Costume and Wig designer Sami Fendall and Lighting Designer Jessica Hung Han Yun. The set is a simple yet brilliantly effective crescent structure, highlighted by trees – sometimes sun-drenched, sometimes moonlit – and the constantly shining Jellicle moon in the background. I find the lighting to be especially effective, managing to capture the ominous dread of Macavity equally as effectively as the sparkling nighttime sky and bright frivolity of the Jellicle Ball. Point to note; stand by for flames, smoke and bangs aplenty!
“Magic and heart”
The costumes are fabulously feline, from lycra leggings and leotards to scruffy, textural trims, each one perfectly symbolises its character, and most importantly, moves in synchronicity with its actor.
Speaking of moving, this production never rests, and I mean never! It’s a constant flow of actors traversing across the stage in the most magical cat-like styles. Some display acrobatics, others a more traditional balletic style, but all of them come together to form the most beautiful clutter of cats I ever did see.
As we raise to our feet for a much-deserved standing ovation, I can confidently say this is no rehash of a cult classic. Drew McOnie has taken Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece and injected even more magic and heart into it. It’s a whimsical, sparkling, raw and thought provoking production that flawlessly fuses music, dance and verse and fully deserves its place in musical theatre history. Simply purrfect.
Cats is at Hull New Theatre until 24th October
After studying English at university and having a lifelong love of writing, Rachel, a full-time editor, came to On Yorkshire in 2017 where she started off reviewing theatre productions in and around the East Yorkshire area. That love of theatre soon expanded into hotels, restaurants and travel, not to mention becoming one of On Yorkshire’s resident beauty editors, reviewing the latest products, spas and treatments. Rachel loves to sample the very best Yorkshire and the UK have to offer in order to bring you the low down on the high life!
