Cats brings extraordinary dancing, iconic music and theatrical magic to Manchester's Palace Theatre
There are few musicals quite as recognisable as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats. One of his most iconic shows, it has become a staple of musical theatre, with its distinctive characters, unforgettable music and rather unusual world of feline personalities. It is a production that has captivated audiences for decades, and seeing it brought to life at Manchester Palace Theatre is a reminder of exactly why it has remained so popular.
Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, published in 1939, the show follows a group of Jellicle cats as they gather for their annual celebration, where one will be chosen to be reborn into a new life. It isn't necessarily a musical with the most straightforward storyline, and much of its appeal comes from the individual characters, music and, perhaps most importantly, the extraordinary physical performances.
In particular, the choreography stood out to me immediately. Quite honestly, the dancing is the most striking element of the entire show and I don't think I have ever seen an ensemble demonstrate such an incredible level of body control. Every single dancer moves with an almost unbelievable fluidity, making even the most complicated movements look completely effortless. There is something mesmerising about watching the performers twist, stretch, and leap across the stage with such precision, particularly when they manage to make their moves appear so fluid and rhythmic. What makes it even more impressive is how convincingly they capture the physicality of cats. It isn't simply a case of dressing as a feline and occasionally imitating its movements; the performers completely transform the way they use their bodies. From the smallest gestures to the way they stretch, crouch and move around one another, there is an incredible amount of detail in every performance.
The choreography is particularly spectacular when the ensemble comes together and moves as one. There are moments when the dancers create almost wave-like movements, with each performer seemingly connected to the next, creating a continuous flow of movement across the stage. These were some of my favourite moments, and I could genuinely have watched the ensemble perform this way for hours. The level of precision, strength and coordination required is extraordinary, and it is a real credit to every single dancer.
I also loved the way the production plays with patterns and expectations. Slow, almost hypnotic songs and dances create a sense of calm, only to be interrupted by sudden, incredibly loud bursts of thunder. These moments completely change the atmosphere of the theatre, adding an unexpected jolt and keeping the audience on their toes. It is a clever contrast that breaks up the choreography and prevents it from becoming too predictable.
The simplicity of the staging is another thing I appreciated. With so much happening through the performers themselves, there is really no need for elaborate moving sets or constant changes of scenery. Instead, the relatively understated stage provides a backdrop that allows the dancing to take centre stage. I think this works incredibly well, as it balances out the constant movement without adding even more chaos to an already energetic production.
The costumes follow a similar approach. They are relatively simple, but very effective, giving each of the main cats a recognisable appearance without making them look overly cartoonish or exaggerated. Combined with the makeup and the performers' individual physicality, each character has their own distinctive identity, without the need for elaborate costumes. It is a subtle approach I think suits the production perfectly.
The only slight gripe I had was the pacing of the first act. Because Cats itself is structured around introducing its various feline characters, there is a lot of time spent watching individual cats take centre stage and tell their stories. While this is important for establishing the world of the musical, I did find it rather slow in places. Without a particularly strong central storyline to follow, some of the earlier numbers can feel a little repetitive and confusing, and I could imagine younger audience members becoming bored or struggling to understand where the show is going. Thankfully however, the second act more than makes up for it.
This is where the production really comes into its own, with some of its most iconic numbers taking centre stage. Magical Mr Mistoffelees is particularly wonderful, showcasing the extraordinary talent of the ensemble through choreography full of precision and personality. Macavity: The Mystery Cat also brings a brilliant change of pace, with its darker atmosphere and more intense dancing adding another layer to the production.
And then, of course, there is Memory. As hoped, this was phenomenal.
Performed by Rachel Wooding as Grizabella, it was undoubtedly the emotional highlight of the entire evening. There is a reason Memory has become such an iconic musical theatre number, but hearing it performed live is something else entirely.
Wooding delivers a beautiful performance, bringing an incredible amount of emotion and vulnerability to Grizabella, and Josie Chambers-Sims adds a beautiful harmony as Syllabub when duetting. As the song began, there was a noticeable stillness across the theatre. The entire room seemed to hold its breath, completely captivated by her performance. By the time she reached the song's most powerful moments, there were plenty of tears around the audience. It was genuinely moving, and one of those moments that reminds you exactly why live musical theatre is so special.
By the time the curtain came down, what stayed with me most was just how talented this cast is. The dancing alone makes Cats worth seeing, and the combination of extraordinary choreography, understated staging and some of musical theatre's most recognisable songs makes for a thoroughly memorable evening.
The first act may require a little patience, particularly for younger audiences, but the second act more than rewards it. Cats is certainly an unconventional musical, and perhaps not one for those who need a strong storyline to keep them engaged. However, I think there is something rather wonderful about a production that puts so much faith in its performers.
Ultimately, Cats is strange, theatrical, occasionally chaotic and filled with extraordinary talent. You might arrive for the iconic music, but it is the dancing that will leave you talking about it afterwards. And, of course, you will almost certainly leave with “Memory” stuck in your head.
Until Saturday November 21, atgtickets.com
Lyra Reilly is a work experience student from Sir John Deane's Sixth Form College, Northwich
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