Cats will run at the London Palladium between Saturday 6th December 2014 and Saturday 28th February 2015. The revival will see the original creative team, including Director Trevor Nunn, Associate Director and Choreographer Gillian Lynne, Designer John Napier and Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, reunited.
Discussing the show's return at yesterday's press launch, Lloyd Webber explained, "The four of us have been discussing looking at Cats again for what must be about a year. We wanted to rework the material and examine the show which really, literally changed our lives. Then I found we had this extraordinary opportunity over Christmas at the Palladium!"
Lloyd Webber is currently in the process of re-writing the music for two of T. S. Eliot's iconic poems which will see the Rum Tum Tugger transformed. Speaking about the changes and revisions to producer David Ian during the Q&A section of the launch, Lloyd Webber said, "I never was very happy with 'Growltiger's Last Stand'. It was never my favourite moment in the show, I have to admit, because I thought I got it a bit wrong - so I've completely rewritten that!"
Discussing the Rum Tum Tugger, the composer (who also own the Palladium) said, "Having read Eliot again I've realised maybe he was the inventor of rap! I think the Rum Tum Tugger is going to have to become a street cat for today.” He continued to discuss possible changes to the set which could see the rubbish dump featuring some different objects, “the occasional early mobile phone maybe? Who knows?" Lloyd Webber suggested.
The current UK Tour cast of Cats
There's been a lot of discussion following the revelations of the changes and I think it's important to remember that when Cats first opened in 1981 it was revolutionary and way ahead of its time! In 2014 we're used to seeing triple threats storm West End stages, but 33 years ago this was not the case. Therefore it seems only right that for its West End return Cats continues to push boundaries.
I can't imagine the changes taking away the original magic of Cats and we are in the very safe hands of Gillian Lynne who I adore! What was evident throughout the launch is the passion and love Nunn, Lynne and Lloyd Webber share for the piece. All three know T. S. Eliot's work inside out.
When questioned about a possible extension to the musical's run, Webber said he would "see how it goes" as there is interest from other shows for 2015. Based on the current touring production, this new version of Cats will act as a fresh blueprint for future productions.
I think it's wonderful that top price seats are just £59.50 and children’s tickets are half price for Monday to Thursday performances. Kids will also have the opportunity to have their face painted by professional make-up artists who will transform them into one of the show’s infamous cats. Cats looks set to be the ultimate family show this Christmas!
I think it's wonderful that top price seats are just £59.50 and children’s tickets are half price for Monday to Thursday performances. Kids will also have the opportunity to have their face painted by professional make-up artists who will transform them into one of the show’s infamous cats. Cats looks set to be the ultimate family show this Christmas!
In other news, last week I was invited to re-visit the West End production of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels which is now in the fourth month of its run at the Savoy Theatre. I fell in love with the musical when I reviewed it back in March; however, second time round I enjoyed the show considerably more.
Katherine Kingsley and the cast of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels
The production has settled and the cast seem to be having more fun which really rubbed off onto the Monday night audience (who were much livelier than my previous Saturday night crowd!). Robert Lindsay was on fine form, the showman worked hard throughout the evening with his efforts paying off when the audience shot to their feet during the bows. Lindsay looked thrilled and incredibly thankful, relishing every moment.
Katherine Kingsley's performance as Christine Colgate is sheer perfection - what more could you want from a West End leading lady? A mention must go to Lizzy Connolly (Jolene Oakes) who gives a masterclass in how to steal a show with one number! Her rendition of 'Oklahoma?' brought the house down and is the funniest thing I've seen on a West End stage for a while. I was quite literally howling with laughter as Connolly was thrown around the stage, screaming. If only I could have picked up a remote and pressed rewind!
In the absence of Samantha Bond, West End Frame's Understudy of the Year nominee Alice Fearn played Muriel Eubanks. Having previously seen Fearn perform as Princess Fiona in place of Amanda Holden in Shrek The Musical, I knew I was in for a treat. Fearn made the role her own and delivered a sensational performance, her voice is incredible and her comic timing impeccable. Fearn’s chemistry opposite John Marquez as Andre Thibault was also remarkably strong.
Last time round Scoundrels was a strong four star show, but last week I certainly witnessed a five star performance. Sometimes shows can become tired as their run progresses, so it's great to see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels continuing to grow. I'm sure this has a lot to do with director/choreographer/producer/theatre god Jerry Mitchell who can simply do no wrong! His positive energy inspired me during a short, seven minute interview earlier this year, so I can only imagine how incredible he is to work with.
Finally, I hear tickets for this year's Kids Week are selling fast! The annual London theatre initiative has already broken records once again by achieving a 77% year-on-year increase in first day sales. 85,336 tickets were sold last month in the first 24 hours of tickets going on sale with revenue from paid tickets surpassing £2million.
Organised by The Society of London Theatre, Kids Week runs for the whole of August (it should probably be renamed Kids Month) with 37 shows offering free tickets for children aged 16 or under when accompanied by an adult paying full price. Up to two extra children’s tickets can also be purchased at half price per transaction. Visit www.kidsweek.co.uk for further information and tickets.
Andrew Tomlins (Editor)
Tickets are now on sale for the limited West End run of Cats at the London Palladium. Please visit www.catsthemusical.com for further information and tickets.
Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is currently booking at the Savoy Theatre until Saturday 7th March 2015. Please visit www.scoundrelswestend.com for further information and tickets.
Photo Credit 1-3: Dan Wooller
Photo Credit 4-5: Johan Persson
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