Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS is back on the Montecasino Teatro stage, inviting audiences into the moonlit world of the Jellicle cats. Adapted from TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this much-loved production blends music, dance and verse into a theatrical escape that feels both familiar and heartwarming. On one special night, the Jellicle cats gather for the Jellicle Ball, where Old Deuteronomy chooses which cat will be reborn into a new life, a simple premise that leaves space for feeling, movement and imagination.
Watching this production felt like pure escapism, the real reason people go to theatre, to be transported somewhere else for a while. Having seen CATS at this same theatre around a decade ago, this iteration felt lighter and fresher, with a softness that lingered long after the curtain call. Beneath the spectacle sits a gentle reminder about the power of being soft, a refreshing premise in a world that so often celebrates the opposite instead.
Several performances stood out. King B’s “Old Deuteronomy” radiated calm authority and contentment, with the interval photo opportunity on stage adding a warm, human touch. Tshepo Ncokoane’s “Gus the Theatre Cat” brought delightful character through quirky, thoughtful gestures. Jordan Roelofze as “Mr Mistoffelees” and Cassiel Eatock-Winnik as “Victoria” impressed with their exceptional dancing, full of grace and precision. And of course, Cindy-Ann Abrahams as “Grizabella” delivered an unforgettable rendition of “Memory”, leaving the audience visibly moved, an emotional high point that filled the theatre with tears and applause.
CATS is now showing at the Montecasino Teatro until 22 February 2026, with tickets available here.
More information is available here.