Celebrating its 40th anniversary Australian tour, CATS the Musical has pounced into Adelaide for a limited three-week season. This canon piece of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s remains one of his most iconic works, and in 2025, we are reminded why.
CATS revives the spirit of classic Broadway, bringing back the timeless jazz choreography and theatrical absurdity that made it a legend in the first place!
When heading into a Lloyd Webber show, most audiences know by now to expect a wild ride of unconventional plots and kooky characters, soundtracked by his unmistakable ‘80s-infused scores.
Love him or not, Lloyd Webber’s work isn’t subtle, and CATS is arguably one of the most iconic examples of his signature style. This musical sensation has been produced in over 50 countries, hitting 21 years on the West End and 18 years on Broadway.
The plot of the show is based on T.S. Eliot’s collection of whimsical poems, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, which Lloyd Webber read as a child. Rather than following a traditional narrative, the musical unfolds like a series of character vignettes, each introducing a different cat from the Jellicle tribe.
On one special night of the year, the Jellicle Cats gather for the Jellicle Ball, where their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, will choose one cat to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn.
CATS last appeared in Adelaide in 2016, and now with adult eyes, I found myself drawn to its wild theatricality and radical commitment to style over story. Australia’s current theatre landscape sees many productions chase commercial appeal, whereas CATS stands out as a show that’s unapologetically abstract.
Most notably, it is refreshing to see classical jazz and ballet technique take centre stage again! The cast perform with precision, style, and a reverence for the original choreography.
This return Australian tour is directed by Trevor Nunn, with Gillian Lynne as associate and choreographer. They have chosen the fiercest felines of Australian musical theatre talent to bring us the iconic ensemble cast.
Her Majesty’s Theatre is transformed into a camp junkyard, coming alive from the moment the prologue begins. Slowly, the Jellicles emerge. Just like a real cat meeting someone new, they’re initially reserved. They then become playful, sassy and incredibly cheeky. True to the original choreographic style, the cast have perfected the cat-like mannerisms down to the finest details.
Inviting us to the Jellicle Ball is Munkustrap, performed by Jarrod Draper. His narration weaves the night together, grounding the whimsical madness with poise and purpose.
Victoria the White Cat’s iconic solo opens the Ball, with Claudia Hastings mastering the role. Her stunning développé in seconde deserves a mention, extending her limbs with such control and grace that the audience collectively exhaled with a quiet ‘wow.’
From here, the introductions to the cats begin, starting with Old Gumbie Cat’s showstopping number, performed by Leigh Archer. Despite being famous for “sitting around all day,” she instantly lifts the energy with her delightful tap dancing extravaganza!
Rum Tum Tugger is next, performed by Des Flanagan, who you could tell is having an absolute blast playing the role. With a rockstar swagger, a touch of rebelliousness and all charisma, Flanagan instantly wins the hearts of the audience and the swooning female cats. When he struts off, you truly wish he were not gone for long!
With a switch in tone, Grizabella the Glamour Cat shuffles on stage. Gabriyel Thomas brings a new light to this capstone role in the show, capturing Grizabella’s vulnerability with grace and subtle power.
Once proud and beautiful, she is now worn down by time and loneliness. Grizabella returns to the Jellicle tribe seeking acceptance and redemption, but is initially met with hisses of rejection. Her character arc explores the show’s deeper themes of aging and acceptance, gradually building toward her powerful and iconic performance of Memory in Act Two.
Thomas lays Grizabella’s soul bare in this showstopping number, capturing the audience in a trance with her vocal strength. I’d argue that witnessing this number live should be on the bucket list of every musical theatre fan!
With a touch of Australian charm and charisma, Todd McKenney makes a double appearance as Bustopher Jones and Asparagus. Both times, McKenney’s hilarious crowd work and effortless stage presence make his scenes instant audience favourites. Whether playing the posh, food-loving dandy or the aging theatre legend, McKenney delivers standout moments in both roles.
Another audience delight is Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer performed by Jake O’Brien and Savannah Lind. They are the cheeky, chaotic duo who thrive on causing trouble. Their cheeky chemistry and synchronised performance have them switch effortlessly between singing, dancing and tricks, earning well-deserved laughs and applause.
Despite being an older piece of theatre, the technical aspects are modern and elevate the production. Howard Eaton’s lighting design complements the action, enhanced further with elements of moving sets, designed by Alan Walker.
These theatrical elements come to full fruition during Mr Mistoffelees’ magical number. Xavier Pellin leaps and turns around the set, triggering bursts of special effects and theatre magic in a dazzling and humorous spectacle.
To Adelaide audiences, I would say: lean in to the show’s absurdness, appreciate the artistry of the movement, and don’t be afraid to laugh. CATS the Musical revels in its playfulness. It’s meant to be a little bit ridiculous, and that’s part of the fun!
CATS the Musical runs to 12 October at Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote Street Adelaide SA 5000.
It then tours to Perth, Melbourne and Brisbane.
Tickets: https://catsthemusical.com.au/tickets/adelaide/
Website: https://catsthemusical.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/catsthemusicalau/
Photo credits: Daniel Boud
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