The audience leapt to its feet in a thunderous standing ovation mid-way through Cindy-Ann Abrahams’ stunning rendition of “Memory” at the recent Cape Town Opening of CATS in Cape Town. Cape TALK’s Pippa Hudson exclaimed: “Staggeringly good! Brilliant! I’ve never seen an audience give a standing ovation in the middle of a song like that before. Such a flipping impressive production. Do not miss this show!” Bursting with energy, CATS features Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated score, including the unforgettable ballad “Memory,” along with breathtaking choreography, dazzling costumes and an extraordinary, oversized junkyard set.
This international smash-hit musical is now on at Artscape in Cape Town and will head to Johannesburg’s Teatro at Montecasino early next year. The exceptional South African cast includes Cindy-Ann Abrahams as Grizabella, King B as Old Deuteronomy, Dylan Janse van Rensburg as Rum Tum Tugger and Che-jean Jupp as Munkustrap.
The cast also features Stephan Van Der Walt as Admetus / Macavity, Sibusiso Mxosana as Alonzo, Sipesihle Ngamlana as Bill Bailey, Tatum Coleman as Bombalurina, Tshepo Ncokoane as Bustopher Jones / Gus, Michael Fullard as Carbuckety, Hannah Marshall as Cassandra, Darren Rockman as Coricopat, Brittane van Loggerenberg as Demeter, Morgan Marshall as Electra, Harry Smallman as George, Noa Duckitt as Jellylorum, Scarlett Pay as Jemima, Zoe Mclaughlin as Jennyanydots, Austin Tshikosi as Mungojerrie, Jordan Roelfze as Quaxo / Mr Mistoffelees, Tannah Levick as Rumpleteazer, Logan Timbre as Skimbleshanks, Tania Mteto as Tantomile and Cassiel Eatock-Winnik as Victoria, with Ryan Flynn, Jackie Lulu, Marco Titus and Phoebe Charles as swings.
Watch the introduction to the cast on YouTube Shorts.
Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, CATS first premiered in London’s West End in 1981 and went on to play nearly 9,000 performances over 21 years, breaking records and redefining musical theatre. Since its debut, the show has been staged in over 54 countries, translated into 23 languages and seen by more than 77 million people around the world. Its enduring appeal lies in the magical fusion of music, poetry, dance and storytelling. At its core, CATS invites audiences into the mysterious world of the Jellicle Cats, who gather for their annual Jellicle Ball to decide which one among them will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn.
This South African season aims to thrill a new generation of theatre lovers while reigniting the nostalgia of devoted fans. Pieter Toerien, whose past productions include My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, The Phantom of the Opera and the currently-running Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, says: “We are delighted to bring CATS back to South Africa. It remains one of the most exciting and emotionally rich musicals ever written — a timeless spectacle that continues to inspire audiences across generations.”
Bringing the production to life are Associate Director and Choreographer Chrissie Cartwright and Musical Supervisor Peter McCarthy, who have honoured the creative vision of the show’s original team — director Trevor Nunn, designer John Napier, and the late Gillian Lynne, whose iconic choreography continues to define its distinctive style. Their combined legacy aims to ensure that this production captures both the classic heart and visual spectacle that have made CATS a worldwide phenomenon.
CATS SA performance dates
- Cape Town – Artscape Opera House: 10 December – 11 January 2026
- Johannesburg – Teatro at Montecasino: 17 January – 22 February 2026
- To book for either the Cape Town or Johannesburg shows, go to: webtickets.co.za
- For more information, go to: www.pietertoerien.co.za