Open auditions announced for Cats 2017 international tour

Open dance auditions are being held for the 2017 international tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats. 

Experienced dancers, aged 21 and over, are invited to register to audition from 9:30 to 12:00 on Monday 15th August at Pineapple Studios in Covent Garden. Auditions will take place between 10:00 and 18:00. 

Auditionees should bring a current CV and headshot along with one musical theatre song which shows your range. Auditionees must be available for rehearsals in London during November and December 2016 and for performances from January 2017. This is a one year contract. The casting call states that "successful auditionees will have the opportunity to travel the world with the musical phenomenon and become part of Cats history".

Andrew Lloyd Webber celebrates having three shows on Broadway!

Last night (31st July) the Broadway revival of Cats opened on Broadway, meaning that legendary British composer Andrew Lloyd Webber now has three musicals on Broadway!

In addition to Cats, The Phantom of the Opera is the longest-running musical on Broadway whilst Lloyd Webber's newest musical School of Rock is playing to packed houses ahead of its West End transfer.

To celebrate, Lloyd Webber posed for a special photo with Leona Lewis who plays Grizabella in Cats, Alex Brightman who plays Dewey Finn in School of Rock and James Barbour who plays the title role in The Phantom of the Opera. Check out the photo below (click to enlarge).

It's official! Leona Lewis to star in Broadway revival of Cats

As previously reported by West End Frame, Leona Lewis will star as Grizabella in the Broadway revival of Cats.

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber said: "Leona has one of the greatest voices of her generation. We are all hugely excited about working with her."

Lewis said: "I am beyond thrilled for my Broadway debut to be in such an iconic show...I cannot wait to see the audiences out in NYC!"

Nicole Scherzinger was supposed to play the role but withdrew a week before rehearsals were set to begin. Directed by Trevor Nunn with some new choreography byHamilton’s Andy Blankenbuehler, Cats will open on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre on 31st July 2016 (previews from 14th July). 

GOSSIP: Could Leona Lewis star as Grizabella in Broadway revival of Cats?

According to the Daily Star, Leona Lewis is the "first choice" to star as Grizabella in the Broadway revival of Cats

Nicole Scherzinger recently withdrew from the show a week before rehearsals were set to begin. The Daily Star claims that Lewis, who won The  X Factor in 2006, is "first in line for the job if she wants it". Please remember this is just a rumour and nothing has been confirmed.

Directed by Trevor Nunn with some new choreography by Hamilton’s Andy Blankenbuehler, Cats will open on Broadway at the Neil Simon Theatre on 31st July 2016 (previews from 14th July). 

Nicole Scherzinger releases statment after withdrawing from Broadway revival of Cats

Nicole Scherzinger has released a statement after withdrawing from the Broadway revival of Cats a week before rehearsals were due to begin.

Last week the musical's composer Andrew Lloyd Webber revealed Scherzinger had  quit the musical so she can instead return to The X Factor UK as a judge alongside Simon Cowell. 

Scherzinger starred as Grizabella in the recent West End revival of Cats, and was long-rumoured to be reprising her role on Broadway.

Speaking to The Economist last week, Lloyd Webber said: "A week before we go into rehearsal on Broadway, which luckily I'm not producing, I get the news that she's decided to do X Factor, having agreed to do everything. 

GOSSIP: Nicole Scherzinger pulls out of Cats Broadway revival; Andrew Lloyd Webber is furious

Andrew Lloyd Webber has claimed that Nicole Scherzinger has pulled out of starring as Grizabella in the Broadway revival of Cats. 

Lloyd Webber says Scherzinger has quit the musical so she can instead return to The X Factor UK as a judge alongside Simon Cowell. Scherzinger starred as Grizabella in the recent West End revival of Cats, and was long-rumoured to be reprising her role on Broadway.

Speaking to The Economist, Lloyd Webber said: "A week before we go into rehearsal on Broadway, which luckily I'm not producing, I get the news that she's decided to do X Factor, having agreed to do everything. 

GOSSIP: Tom Hooper to direct CATS film adaptation?

There have been rumours about Universal adapting Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats for the big screen for many years... however, it looks like the film might finally be happening!

Tom Hooper is reportedly in talks to direct the project for Working Title which would reunite the team behind the Les Miserables film adaptation. The Sun suggests filming could begin later this year and that Hooper wants former model Suki Waterhouse to star in the movie.

Cats recently returned to the London Palladium for a second season and is currently embarking on a UK and European tour. The musical is returning to Broadway this summer, opening at the Neil Simon Theatre on 2nd August 2016 (previews from 14th July).

Full casting confirmed for Cats UK & European tour

Full casting has been confirmed for the UK and European tour of Cats which opens at the Manchester Opera House on Saturday 30th January 2016.

Leading the cast as Grizabella is Anita Louise Combe (pictured) who recently appeared as Tessie Tura in Gypsy at the Chichester Festival Theatre and Savoy Theatre. 

Reprising his performance from the musical's recent run at the London Palladium is West End Frame Award nominee Marcquelle Ward as Rum Tum Tugger whilst Matt Krzan continues as Munkustrap.

CONFIRMED: Cats returning to Broadway!

Following lots of rumors and speculation, it has finally been confirmed that Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats is being revived on Broadway.

Cats will open at the Neil Simon Theatre on 2nd August 2016 (previews from 14th July).

Hamilton's Andy Blankenbuehler is joining the creative team to choreograph the new production, based on the original choreography and associate direction by Gillian Lynne. 

Blankenbuehler will joins original creative team members director Trevor Nunn and designer John Napier. Sound is by Mick Potter with lighting by Natasha Katz.

Competition: Win a pair of tickets to see CATS at the London Palladium!

We are giving away a pair of tickets to Cats at the London Palladium starring Beverley Knight. To enter the competition, simply sign up to West End Frame's mailing list below.

The winner will be randomly selected at 10am on Wednesday 4th November 2015 (entries after this time will not be included). The prize is valid on Monday to Thursday evening performances between 9th November and 10th December 2015. Please note matinee performances are excluded.

Even if you already subscribe to West End Frame's newsletter you still have to input your details below to enter this particular competition. You will not receive our newsletter twice (assuming you enter the same email address). Please read the terms and conditions below.

Review: Beverley Knight stars in Cats at the London Palladium

Cats

London Palladium

Reviewed on Tuesday 27th October 2015

★★★★

Emma Lee Clark

Hot on the heels of its Blackpool run, Cats has returned to the London Palladium for a second Christmas season. 

When Andrew Lloyd Webber reunited with director Trevor Nunn, associate director/choreographer Gillian Lynne and designer John Napier to bring Cats back to the West End I don't think many predicted what a success the show would be. Performances sold out whilst both Nicole Scherzinger and Kerry Ellis received great acclaim for their portrayals of Grizabella.

Based on T.S Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show is set on a special night of the year when all Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball. 

It's important to stress that before seeing Cats you have to leave all common sense outside the theatre and forget about any other musicals you may have seen (Cats can't be compared to anything). Cats shouldn't be over analysed; it is a truly unique show which was revolutionary for musical theatre when it was first staged in 1981.

Production Pics: CATS returns to the London Palladium starring Beverley Knight

Production images have been released for Cats which has returned to the London Palladium starring Beverley Knight as Grizabella. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical is booking to 2nd January 2016. Check out the images below (click picture to enlarge).

Madalena Alberto will alternate the role of Grizabella. Knight is not scheduled to appear at Friday 13th November, Monday 16th November, Tuesday 17th November, Tuesday 1st December and Friday 11th December performances as well as mid-week matinees as she is working on a new studio album.

Madalena Alberto to alternate Grizabella in Cats at the London Palladium

Madalena Alberto will alternate the role of Grizabella in Cats at the London Palladium.

Cats returns to the London Palladium from 23rd October 2015 for a limited eleven week run until 2nd January 2016. 

As previously announced, Beverley Knight will star as Grizabella. Alberto will play the role at Wednesday matinees when Knight is unable to perform as she's working on a new studio album. 

Knight is also unable to perform on Friday 13th November, Monday 16th November, Tuesday 17th November, Tuesday 1st December and Friday 11th December.

Full casting confirmed for CATS at the London Palladium

It has been confirmed that recent Blackpool cast of Cats will reprise their performances for the musical's upcoming season at the London Palladium. 

Cats returns to the London Palladium from 23rd October 2015 for a limited eleven week run until 2nd January 2016. 

As previously announced, Beverley Knight takes over from Jane McDonald as Grizabella. 

Please note that Knight is not scheduled to perform on Friday 13th November, Monday 16th November, Tuesday 17th November, Tuesday 1st December and Friday 11th December performances as well as mid-week matinees as she is working on her new studio album.

Big Interview: Benjamin Yates, star of Tommy & Cats

Benjamin Yates is currently playing a Pinball Wizard in The Who's Tommy at the Blackpool Opera House. 

Based on the iconic 1969 double-album rock opera, Tommy is an exhilarating musical about hope, healing, and the human spirit. The cast also includes X Factor winner Joe McElderry, Blue's Antony Costa, Ashley J Russell, Will Barratt and Melanie Bright.

Benjamin most recently recreated the role of Mungojerrie in the first West End revival of Cats at the London Palladium, working alongside the original creative team including Trevor Nunn, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Gillian Lynne. He previously played the role in the musical’s UK and European tours. 

Benjamin’s theatre credits also include: title role in Aladdin (Loughborough), ensemble in Jesus Christ Superstar (UK and Australian Arena Tour), Sonny in Grease (Ljubljana Festival) and title role in Jack and the Beanstalk (Loughborough). He is also currently supporting West End Bares, having posed for this year’s ‘Take Off’ promotional images.

I recently spoke to Benjamin about why he’s thrilled to be belting out a rock score in Tommy, what it was like to meet his idol whilst starring in Cats and what his nana thought of his West End Bares photoshoot, plus much more…

Had you seen Tommy before?

I had never even seen the film! I didn’t know much about the music although obviously I knew the classics like ‘Pinball Wizard’. I didn’t really know anything so when this came up I thought, ‘This will be interesting!’ I listened to the soundtrack and it’s the complete opposite to Cats, which I’ve just finished, and it’s quite nice to do something the complete opposite. Also, I didn’t sing a lot in Cats, so it’s great to go into a rock musical! Obviously now I know what’s going on, but at the beginning I had no idea what it was about!

PICS: Andrew Lloyd Webber & Cameron Mackintosh visit Cats in Blackpool

Last night (12th August) Andrew Lloyd Webber and Cameron Mackintosh visited Cats at the Blackpool Opera House and met with the cast, led by Jane McDonald as Grizabella, on stage after the performance. Check out the images below (click picture to enlarge).

Cats runs at the Blackpool Opera House until 5th September 2015. The production then returns to the London Palladium for a strictly limited eight week season from 23rd October 2015 with Beverley Knight playing the role of Grizabella.

Production images released for Cats in Blackpool

Production images have been released for the current Blackpool production of Cats. Jane McDonald plays Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical at the Blackpool Opera House until 5th September 2015. Check out the images below (click image to enlarge).

The cast includes:  Jack Butterworth (Rum Tum Tugger), Adam Linstead (Old Deuteronomy), Matt Krzan (Munkustrap), Mark Richardson (Quaxo/ Mistoffelees), Paul Monaghan (Gus/Growltiger/Bustopher Jones), Evan James (Skimbleshanks), Georgie Leatherland (Rumpleteazer), Harry Francis (Mungojerrie), Clare Rickard (Jellylorum), Emma Lee Clark (Bombalurina), Anna Woodside (Demeter), Jane Quinn (Jennyanydots), Hannah Kenna Thomas (Victoria/ White Cat), Tarryn Gee (Jemima), Danielle Cato (Cassandra), Gabrielle Cocca (Tantomile), Luke Cinque-White (Carbucketty), James Titchener (Coricopat), Javier Cid (Macavity/Admetus), Jon-Scott Clark (Bill Bailey) and Jordan Shaw (Pouncival). 

Watch Beverley Knight perform 'Memory' for the first time with Andrew Lloyd Webber

We didn't think it was possible to love Beverley Knight any more... until we watched this video of her singing 'Memory' with Andrew Lloyd Webber. Watch the video below and prepare to be amazed!

Full casting announced for Cats in Blackpool

Full casting has been announced for the upcoming eight week run of Cats in Blackpool.

As previously announced, Jane McDonald will play Grizabella in Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical which runs at the Blackpool Opera House between 9th July and 5th September 2015 following its recent run at the London Palladium.

The full cast includes: Adam Linstead (Old Deuteronomy), Matt Krzan (Munkustrap), Mark Richardson (Quaxo/ Mistoffelees), Paul Monaghan (Gus/Growltiger/Bustopher Jones), Evan James (Skimbleshanks), Georgie Leatherland (Rumpleteazer), Harry Francis (Mungojerrie, pictured), Clare Rickard (Jellylorum), Emma Lee Clark (Bombalurina), Anna Woodside (Demeter), Jane Quinn (Jennyanydots), Hannah Kenna Thomas (Victoria/ White Cat), Tarryn Gee (Jemima), Danielle Cato (Cassandra), Gabrielle Cocca (Tantomile), Luke Cinque-White (Carbucketty), James Titchener (Coricopat), Javier Cid (Macavity/Admetus), Jon-Scott Clark (Bill Bailey), Jack Butterworth (Rumpus/Alonzo) and Jordan Shaw (Pouncival). 

Beverley Knight to star as Grizabella in Cats at the London Palladium

According to Broadway.com, Beverley Knight will star as Grizabella when Cats returns to the London Palladium later this year for a limited run from 23rd October 2015 until 2nd January 2016. 

The musical is set to run in Blackpool this summer with Jane McDonald in the starring role. Nicole Scherzinger played as Grizabella when Cats returned to the West End last year and was succeeded by Kerry Ellis, the first lady of the West End. 

Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Cats returned to the West End last year with the original creative team - Trevor Nunn, Gillian Lynne, John Napier and Andrew Lloyd Webber - reunited for the Palladium run.