CATS the Musical – A Nostalgic Treat for Theatre Lovers

The 40th Anniversary Australian tour of CATS has arrived at Crown Theatre, and it’s a delightful opportunity to revisit (or discover) one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most enduring musicals.

Rather than following a traditional, dialogue-heavy storyline, CATS is based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats – a series of whimsical poems brought to life through music and movement. The result is more of a themed song-and-dance showcase than a conventional plot-driven musical, which makes it very easy to relax into and enjoy. Each number introduces a different cat with its own personality, style of music and choreography.

This anniversary production looks and sounds magnificent. The ensemble dancing is superb – expressive, agile and beautifully synchronised – and the singing throughout is consistently strong. The familiar score, including the much-loved “Memory”, is performed with a richness that will resonate with those who have followed musical theatre for decades.

Gabriyel Thomas is particularly moving as Grizabella, the faded “glamour cat”, delivering “Memory” with a haunting emotional depth that drew a palpable hush from the audience. Todd McKenney is a standout, bringing warmth, humour and impeccable timing to Bustopher Jones and Asparagus the Theatre Cat, and Mark Vincent lends Old Deuteronomy a dignified, sonorous presence that anchors the show beautifully. Rum Tum Tugger, played by Des Flanagan, proved a huge crowd favourite at our performance, with plenty of cheeky charm and rock-star swagger.

CATS also makes an excellent outing to share with grandchildren. Because the show is built around individual cat characters and songs rather than a complicated storyline, younger audience members can simply enjoy the colourful costumes, lively choreography and catchy music without needing to follow a detailed plot. It’s a gentle, visually engaging introduction to live musical theatre, and a lovely way to create a shared memory across generations.

One notable feature of CATS is the level of audience interaction. The cast frequently moves through the aisles before and during the show, creating a feeling that you are part of the Jellicle gathering rather than simply observing from a distance. If you enjoy being close to the action (or would like your grandchildren to see the cats up close), it’s worth booking seats in the stalls near an aisle to take full advantage of this.

From a practical point of view, Crown Theatre is an accessible venue, with good facilities, comfortable seating and the option to enjoy a meal or drink before or after the show within the Crown complex.

For long-time theatre-goers, this production offers a nostalgic chance to “let the memory live again” and appreciate how well CATS has stood the test of time. For those seeing it for the first time, it’s an opportunity to experience a landmark musical that helped shape modern musical theatre, presented with fresh energy, impressive production values and a superb Australian cast.

If you enjoy classic musicals, impressive choreography and a touch of theatrical magic – and especially if you’re looking for a special outing to share with the grandchildren – CATS at Crown Theatre is well worth adding to your calendar during its Perth season.