Last week, CATS The Musical officially opened at Theatre Royal Sydney, marking 40 years since its Australian debut. With a production that is both nostalgic and unforgettable, CATS makes the purr-fect night out for theatre lovers and feline fans alike.
The show is based on T.S. Eliot’s ‘Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats’, so naturally it’s a quirky watch. Rather than a traditional plotline, the musical focuses on character profiling for each of the cats, introducing them with fun-loving songs and unique costumes for every single one. Personally, this is my favourite aspect of the performance altogether. The weird and whacky costumes, the chaotic junkyard stage setting to match a chaotic storyline.
It all adds up to a theatrical experience that feels more like a fever dream than a conventional musical. But that’s exactly what makes CATS so memorable. Each character is brought to life with such distinct energy that, even without a linear narrative, you’re drawn into their world. It’s a celebration of individuality, imagination, and the sheer joy of performance, and that’s what keeps audiences coming back decade after decade.
Chaos aside, there’s a distinctive beauty in the way CATS blends movement and storytelling through dance. The choreography is sharp, expressive, and often balletic, with each performer clearly drawing from a strong technical dance background.
It’s this level of precision and physicality that elevates the show beyond its eccentric surface, turning every number into a visual spectacle that’s as captivating as it is unpredictable. I particularly loved how they incorporated moves that felt fantastically feline, like little stretches and trembles, licking of the paws and slinking around stage in a mischievous manner.
If you’re looking for ways to spend your winter nights out, theatre is undoubtedly the way to go. Warm and cosy inside, with plenty of visual entertainment to chase the chills away. Take my money.
Click the link here to grab tickets while you can!
Header Image: Daniel Boud – Theatre Royal Sydney, sourced online catsthemusical.com.au
