Cats

Review by: Paul Towers, 18 September 2018

Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber & TS Eliot

Leicester Theatre Group presentation

Little Theatre 18 – 22^nd September 2018

“hugely talented cast with the confidence of a professional troupe.”

Leicester Theatre Group is a Newfoundpool based non-profit organisation created to provide young people aged 11 to 18 with the opportunity to get involved in musical theatre and perform in one of their regular West End style productions, usually at The Little Theatre or the Sue Townsend Theatre. Last year they did Les Miserables and this year it is the turn of Cats.

A huge cast of 42 bring TS Eliot’s tales of Jellicle Cats to life on a set designed by Neil Allan that resembles a derelict yard. Ranged round the back is slatted fencing which cleverly allows the various kittens and cats to roam up and down the gantries behind giving the illusion  of a community of feral felines.

Director Zoe Curlett is an experienced West End performer and brings a mainstream sensibility to the production. Like Bob Fosse, Gillian Lynne’s style of choreography is instantly identifiable and Jessica Vaughan has wisely not deviated far from the original.

In such a large production there is plenty of room for individuals to shine and Maev Wood’s Grizabella singing Memories broke everyone’s heart.

This hugely talented cast danced and sang with the confidence of a professional troupe.

Cats is at The Little Theatre until Saturday 22^nd September but is sold out. Call the box office for any returns.

www.thelittletheatre.net

First published on Western Gazette
A version of this review was broadcast on TakeOver Radio