When you walk into the theatre, you know you’re about to see the musical Cats. Confronted with the eerie full moon, the giant oven, the car boot and the oversized tyre, the iconic junkyard set hints at the show you are about to experience.
Written by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the score is catchy and memorable, anchored by the mega hit single, Memory. You can feel the audience’s anticipation the moment the first notes of this classic strike up.
The orchestrations have been refreshed, with more beats and a subtle rock edge that gives the score a contemporary feel. Forty years on, Cats now trades as much on nostalgia as it does on spectacle. It revisits memories of seeing it for the first time and introducing it to a new generation.
The narrative, simple but charming, introduces the various feline characters drawn from the poems of T.S. Eliot. Under the full moon, the Jellicle cats dance, play, and present their case to be reborn. Throughout the night, several cats step forward to prove why they should be the chosen one. With a simple narrative Cats relies on being a song and dance show.
Jake O’Brien as Mungojerrie and Savannah Lind as Rumpleteazer delivers strong tumbling and dance sequences, however the playful, cheeky chemistry between these notorious cat burglars felt underwhelming. Their scenes needed just a touch more mischief.
Mark Vincent as Old Deuteronomy possesses a bold, beautiful baritone that fills the theatre. Todd McKenney is the consummate performer, shining as both Gus the Theatre Cat and Bustopher Jones. He inhabits each character fully and connects effortlessly with the audience. His portrayal of Gus was playful, funny, and warm.
Tom Davis as Skimbleshanks, The Railway Cat, remains a highlight. A playful mix of umbrellas, oversized bicycle wheels, red fabric and bright light cleverly shape the illusion of a train onstage.
The dancing overall is powerful, tight, and well disciplined, though at times it felt a little restrained. Despite the large stage, some scenes looked crowded, leaving the dancers with limited space to truly let go.
Tim Haskayne as Mr Mistoffelees wore the costume of the show. Heavily rhinestoned, the outfit glittered brilliantly under the lights. His long pirouette sequence delighted the crowd and stood as one of the production’s joyous highlights.
Gabriyel Thomas as Grizabella has a strong, powerful voice and delivered a commanding rendition of Memory. Her effortlessness to reach the song’s crescendo was masterfully imposing. However, the soft sentiment emotional fragility at the opening of the song was absent.
The lighting design uses colour beautifully, washing the stage in rich hazes, though occasionally it dipped too dark, making it difficult to see the actors’ faces. Die-hard fans may also be disappointed to learn that the sea faring number, Growltiger’s Last Stand has been cut from this production.
The second act lifts considerably, becoming more vibrant, energetic, and fun. The first act resembles a cat sitting lazily on a sunny windowsill. Sleepily purring while contemplating whether it wants to play. The second act is the moment it springs to life; feisty, playful, and ready for mischief.
This fortieth anniversary production of Cats is colourful, nostalgic, disciplined, and at times restrained. But when it sparkles, it really sparkles.
CATS
Crown Theatre Perth, Great Eastern Hwy, Burswood
Performance: Thursday 13 November 2025
Season continues to 6 December 2025
Bookings: www.ticketmaster.com.au
Following the Perth season, CATS will play Hamer Hall – Arts Centre Melbourne from 21 December 2025 and the Lyric Theatre – QPAC, Brisbane from 6 February 2026. For more information, visit: www.catsthemusical.com.au for details.
Images: The Cast of CATS – photo by Daniel Boud | Savannah Lind as Rumpleteazer and Jake O’Brien as Mungojerrie in CATS – photo by Daniel Boud | Gabriyel Thomas as Grizabella in CATS – photo by Daniel Boud
Review: Craig Dalglish