The revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber's CATS has been showing in the West End and has recently made its way to Australia. I was lucky enough to attend on opening weekend and I am so glad I did.
CATS is playing in Melbourne at The Regent Theatre in Collins Street. What a magnificent building. First opening its doors in 1929, the Renaissance Revival architecture is breathtaking. Before you take your seats for the show, take a few minutes to look at the lobby and the golden roof in the theatre itself. I've never seen anything quite like it.
I had fantastic seats in the stalls (ground level) on the left hand isle. The seats are very large and comfortable and you also have plenty of leg room. If you take your children, be sure to ask the ushers for a booster pillow.
If you are booking seats, consider an isle seat - you will be in for some amazing surprises.
You are allowed to take photographs of the stage before the show with no flash but during the show, photos and filming of any kind are not allowed. I actually got told that anyone caught taking photos or video would have their photos deleted. I did get a few pictures of the stage before the show though :-)
CATS is based on T. S. Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats and the opening scene takes you to a junk yard in the moonlight where the Jellicle Cats come out once a year to play, on the night of the Jellicle Ball.
The CATS look fantastic. The costumes and makeup are spectacularly done and remind me of when I was a child and CATS first opened on the West End in 1981. I remember it being all over the TV and in every magazine you opened. Elaine Paige played the very coveted role of Grizabella, and of course sang the very famous Memory.
The modern day Grizabella is played by the lovely Delta Goodrem, an Australian-born singer-song writer and actress. Delta brings Grizabella to life with her grace and beauty and you will not be disappointed when she sings Memory. Her voice is amazing and gave me goose bumps. For any of you that cry easily, make sure you take plenty of tissues.
CATS is one of the longest running shows in West End and Broadway history and since the opening has played in more than 30 countries and been translated into 15 different languages.
CATS has won Grammy Awards and played for a record-breaking 21 years in London's West End with almost 9,000 performances.
CATS is playing around Australia for a limited season so make sure you book your tickets quickly, and remember, an isle seat will guarantee a few surprises.
My husband and I absolutely loved the show. The singing and dancing were fantastic and the attention to detail was fabulous. CATS does not disappoint. Just brilliant.
I've listed the show details below. Have an amazing time if you are lucky enough to go and see it.
Sydney, Capitol Theatre from 30 October, 2015
Ticketmaster 136 100 or Ticketmaster
Hobart, Derwent Theatre from 10 December, 2015
Ticketmaster 136 100 or Ticketmaster
Melbourne, Regent Theatre from 18 December, 2015
Ticketmaster 136 100 or Ticketmaster
Brisbane, Lyric Theatre from 29 January, 2016
QPAC 136 246 or QPAC website
Adelaide, Festival Centre from 18 March, 2016
BASS 131 246 or BASS website
Perth, Crown Theatre from 16 April, 2016
Ticketmaster 136 100 or Ticketmaster
