Cats - Birmingham Review

Review by Sarah

Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review

Cats, Andrew Lloyd Webber's enduring feline phenomenon, remains one of the most recognisable musicals ever created. Yet it has always divided audiences: those captivated by its enchanting choreography and iconic score, and those unconvinced by its unconventional narrative structure.

Photo by Mark Senior

Director and choreographer Drew McOnie, who skipped school to audition for Cats as a young performer, brings fresh imagination and contemporary flair to this beloved classic. Reviving the show in the wake of the 2019 film's mixed reception was no small challenge, but McOnie delivers a production that feels vibrant and exhilarating.

From the opening scene, the atmosphere is set. Beneath a looming full moon, framed by sweeping curves and skeletal branches, the stage becomes the perfect venue for the Jellicle Ball. Combined with dramatic lighting, pyrotechnics and swirling smoke, the design transports us into a mysterious nocturnal world where one fortunate cat will be chosen for rebirth.

I arrived with reservations. Could a loosely connected collection of poems truly sustain a sold-out auditorium? Any doubts quickly vanished. From the opening moments, as the Jellicle Cats emerge and gather for their annual celebration, the stage teems with energy, personality and purpose. Each cat is a fully realised character, inviting the audience to search for clues to their identity while keeping a watchful eye out for the elusive Macavity.

Semi Fendall's costume design cleverly reinvents the familiar feline aesthetic. Less reliant on fur and enhanced with practical details such as knee pads to support the performers' athletic movement, the costumes are both functional and visually striking. As individual characters take centre stage, their outfits become more distinctive, yet remain cohesive enough to blend seamlessly back into the ensemble.

Photo by Mark Senior

The cast's commitment to characterisation is extraordinary. Every subtle head tilt, poised hand, prowling step and playful pounce reinforces the illusion that these are genuinely cats inhabiting the stage. It is a remarkable ensemble achievement that never falters.

Among the stand-out performances, Gus the Theatre Cat (Elliot Broadfoot) charms with warmth and nostalgia as he recalls his glory days. Macavity (Diante Lodge) remains irresistibly sinister and magnetic, keeping both cats and audience on edge. Mr Mistoffelees (Jet Yau) dazzles with breathtaking athleticism, including acrobatic feats and astonishing spins that earned spontaneous applause. Meanwhile, Mungojerrie (Danny Nattrass) and Rumpleteazer (Briana Craig) display impeccable synchronisation, their playful swagger and perfectly matched movement proving a highlight of the evening.

The emotional climax belongs, of course, to Grizabella. Louise Dearman delivers a stunning rendition of Memory, performed with power, vulnerability and genuine emotion. Her voice soars effortlessly through the theatre, while every note carries the weight of the character's longing. It is a spellbinding performance that leaves the audience visibly moved and rewards them with one of musical theatre's most iconic moments.

Drew McOnie's Cats has completely won me over. What I once dismissed as a disjointed collection of musical sketches has been transformed into a compelling, immersive theatrical experience. This production celebrates everything that has made Cats a global phenomenon while introducing fresh creativity and heart. Spectacularly performed, visually captivating and emotionally resonant, it is a triumph from beginning to end.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cats runs at Birmingham Hippodrome until Saturday 7th November 2026 and tours with dates booking through until 19th June 2027. For full tour dates and booking information, visit https://uktour.catsthemusical.com/

Photo by Mark Senior