Cats Cliffs Pavilion Review

July 18, 2016 by 50percentmum

Cats Review

I practically leapt for joy when I was asked to go and review the new touring production of Cats at the Cliffs Pavilion last night. A classic show of epic proportions, the show first opened back in 1981 with a cast including Brian Blessed, Elaine Paige, Paul Nicholas and Wayne Sleep. With music by the Andrew Lloyd Webber and original direction by Trevor Nunn, it is no wonder this wonderful piece of theatre is still thriving 35 years later.

Based on “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” by TS Elliot, the whole show is one, nearly uninterrupted, dance sequence with a timeless score to boot. The talent and stamina of all the performers on the stage is extraordinary. I have seen this show in various incarnations over the years and this revival does not disappoint. There is some reworking, notably a rapping Rum Tum Tugger with a fabulous street vibe swagger, played with triumphant poise by Marcquelle Ward. Sounding every inch of the musical geek that I am, I was disappointed that they had changed the score to ‘Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer’, but the wonderful choreography and outstanding performance more than made up for it.

As the cats gather for the Jellicle Ball, the master of ceremonies and wise old leader Old Deureronomy, has to choose which of the cats will be given an extra life and a second chance to ascend to the Heaviside layer. We are introduced to all the cats and their wonderful quirks using TS Elliot’s works in a witty and feline fashion.

There is such an assortment of musical genres throughout the show. I shivered with delight at the wonderfully haunting melody of Old Deuteronomy, tapped my foot to the jazzy rendition of The Old Gumbie Cat and was carried to operatic sophistication with Gus: The Theatre Cat. The rich and vibrant tone of Celia Graham’s Griddlebone is superb.

With various ‘celebrities’ reprising the role of Grizabella, I was pleased to see a true professional, Marianne Benedict, take on the former Glamour Cat. With the weight of expectation on her rendition of Memories, she did not disappoint. With raw emotion and assured vocals, it lived up to its show stopping glory. A special shout out to James Titchener for his thrilling routine as Mr Mistoffelees. With a mix of gravity-defying acrobatics and poetic ballet, it has to be seen, to be believed.

The staging is wonderfully inventive, with the cats emerging from the shadows and prowling down the aisles of the auditorium, much to the delight of the audience.

After a sell-out run in the West End, this is the purr-fect opportunity to see this show in all its splendour at your own local theatre.

It is at the Southend Cliffs Pavilion until Saturday 23rd July. Do not miss out!