The full moon is out, the fog is setting, and as the lights dim, the build of feline curiosity amongst the audience rises. The Australian tour of CATS has landed at Hamer Hall in Melbourne, and the arched elegance is sublime.
There’s a purring hum as everyone takes their seats and settles into a cosy cushion, and the excitement has all eyes and ears pricked up and directed towards centre stage. Suddenly, a full orchestration awakens every one of our senses, and eyes glow in front of us. They are seen hidden within the gritty junkyard set, and flash brightly as four legged shadows roam up and down the aisles.
As an elevation of lights surface and rises to the sky, furred whiskers appear from all different hiding places. There’s rolling, sliding, tumbling and scurrying across the stage and throughout the audience as we find ourselves part of this feline frenzy.
Gathering tonight is a tribe of Jellicle Cats who are celebrating their individual stories as they wait for their leader, Old Deuteronomy. He will choose which furry friend will journey to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a new life.
There are many graceful slippings in and out of the shadows as tails flick, heads tilt, and there are twists and scratching and rubbing. The way the cast works together as a clowder is clear from the opening, delivered in strong unison.
The vocals remain a strength throughout. Both singing and spoken voice play a crucial role in shaping the animalistic characterisations and drawing us fully into this shared dream.
The feline mannerisms are executed with precision throughout. Watching the little ear flicks and seemingly effortless movement allows us to believe these creatures who each have a story.
Resident director and choreographer Amy Berrisford has truly woven together a prized production. The choreography in every piece is sensational: instinct-driven and high-energy. Every move seems deliberate, delivered with flow that is followed by accentuated punctuation.
Paul White leads the orchestra, who perform masterfully. Stand-out moments include the tension built by drummer Dave Beck and the emotions intensified with synthesised tones created by Andrew Patterson and Martine Wengrow on the keys.
The costumes, designed by Billy Roache, are absolutely exceptional. Alongside Kellie Ritchie’s wigs and Karen Dawson’s makeup, they are perfectly imagined to suit every cat like grace.
The commanding vocals driven into the starry night sky from Grizabella, played by the extraordinary Gabriyel Thomas, will leave you wanting to replay Memory over and over again. Her pitch-perfect performance will be etched into your cherished theatre moments.
Rum Tum Tugger is definitely the crowd favourite. Des Flanagan’s primal rock star characterisation is a savage stand out. His gestures, swish moves, crooning vocals, all at an untamed wow – especially as the female cats feverishly trill below him.
Mark Vincent gives Old Deuteronomy a poetic, regal governing. Tod Strike as Asparagus is full of entertainment. Jellylorum, played by Lucy Maunder, brings strength and stance to Gus the Theatre Cat with a commanding stage presence and sublime vocals.
Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, played by Jake O’Brien and Savannah Lind, are also highly impressive. They are a fabulous pairing that gained huge applause with their partner cartwheels across the stage.
Tom Davis as Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat gives a joyous performance that is full of paws of fun. Tim Haskayne as Mr Mistoffelees is iridescent as a mind-blowing, magical, spinning spray of sparkling glitter.
Singing Macavity the Mystery Cat is the stunning duo Demeter, played by Olivia Carniato, and Bombalurina, played by Mia Dabkowski-Chandler. The pair prowl the stage, captivating the audience and singing with alluring finesse.
Edward Smith as Macavity is also unforgettable. He is wildly rogue with a menacing theatrical presence that is all too purrfect for the part.
CATS is a production full of spirit and artistic brilliance. Every part of the show allows mischievous energy to be at full play, and there’s just so much to see and take in. The music and lyrics will hold you and stay with you forever.
CATS is fur-tastic entertainment, full of brilliance and pawesome charm that you will never forget.
CATS the Musical runs in Melbourne until 31 January 2026 at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. 100 St Kilda Road Southbank Vic 3004.
It then tours to Brisbane from 6 February for two weeks only!
Tickets: https://catsthemusical.com.au/tickets/melbourne/
Website: https://catsthemusical.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/catsthemusicalau/
Photo credits: Daniel Boud
