CATS: A Magical Reimagining of a Timeless Musical
A review of Cats at Manchester’s Palace Theatre, 10–21 November 2026
Few musicals have captured the imagination of audiences quite like Cats. Since its premiere in 1981, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic production has delighted generations of theatregoers, with major UK touring productions visiting Manchester at least seven times. Now, a brand-new revival arrives at the Palace Theatre, bringing fresh energy and imagination to this much-loved theatrical phenomenon.
Based on T. S. Eliot’s poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this extraordinary sung-through musical transports audiences into the mysterious world of the Jellicle Cats.
Once a year, this extraordinary tribe of felines gathers for the Jellicle Ball, a magical celebration during which their wise and elderly leader, Old Deuteronomy, must make the all-important “Jellicle Choice”. One cat will be selected to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and begin a new life.
Rather than following a conventional storyline, Cats unfolds through a lively sequence of musical vignettes, each introducing a distinctive feline character through song, dance and personality.
Among them are the rebellious rock star Rum Tum Tugger, the enchanting and mysterious Mr Mistoffelees, and the ever-reliable railway cat Skimbleshanks. Yet beneath the spectacle lies a surprisingly touching story of rejection, compassion and redemption.
At its emotional heart is Grizabella, a once-glamorous cat who returns to the junkyard, now aged, weary and shunned by the very community to which she once belonged. Her powerful rendition of the timeless classic “Memory” provides the show’s most poignant moment, capturing the longing for acceptance and the hope of a second chance.
What makes Cats so distinctive is its remarkable fusion of music, movement and storytelling. With almost no spoken dialogue, the production relies on choreography and song to convey its narrative. At times, it feels as much like a spectacular dance performance as a traditional musical, and therein lies much of its magic.
This latest revival offers a fresh and imaginative interpretation of a theatrical classic. While remaining faithful to the spirit of the original, it introduces a renewed sense of vitality, atmosphere and theatrical wonder.
The talented cast of thirty performers delivers an impressive display of energy, precision and versatility. Dressed in elaborate feline costumes and striking make-up, they bring their characters vividly to life, combining expressive acting with demanding choreography and powerful vocals.
Building on the pioneering choreography of Gillian Lynne, this production is directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, alongside Ebony Molina and Josh Baker. The movement retains the distinctive feline qualities that have always defined Cats, blending ballet, jazz and contemporary dance into a seamless and expressive theatrical language.
The result is a production that demands exceptional versatility from its performers. Every member of the company must be a genuine triple threat, capable of acting, singing and dancing with extraordinary stamina and precision.
Visually, the revival takes a bold new direction. Gone is the familiar neon-lit junkyard of the 1980s, replaced by a moodier, more atmospheric urban landscape. This darker, more contemporary setting creates an intriguing contrast with the show’s playful characters and vibrant musical numbers, giving the production a distinctive visual identity.
The costumes remain wonderfully faithful to the musical’s original concept, combining elements of 1980s dancewear with textured animal fur. Cleverly designed to suggest feline anatomy without restricting movement, they allow the performers to stretch, leap, tumble and glide across the stage with remarkable freedom.
The attention to detail is impressive, from the intricate make-up to the subtle physical mannerisms that make each character instantly recognisable. Every flick of a tail, arch of a back and carefully measured movement contributes to the illusion of a living, breathing feline world.
Ultimately, this reimagined revival succeeds in celebrating everything that made Cats a theatrical sensation while introducing enough freshness to captivate a new generation.
With its exhilarating choreography, memorable music, imaginative staging and moments of genuine tenderness, Cats remains a wonderfully unusual theatrical experience.
The production team has certainly not let Manchester audiences down. This is a vibrant, enchanting and thoroughly entertaining revival that reminds us why, more than four decades after its debut, Cats continues to hold such a special place in musical theatre.
Peter Johnson for Canal St Media