One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, CATS, will return to the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne from 20th to 31st May. Based on T.S Eliot’s ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record- breaking adaptation, CATS, is directed by Trevor Nunn, with choreography by Gillian Lynne and set and costume design by John Napier. Re-creating the direction and choreography for the tour is Chrissie Cartwright.
Including one of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most memorable musical scores, spectacular set design, extraordinary costumes and stunning choreography, CATS is a uniquely magical musical.
On just one special night of the year, all Jellicle cats meet at the Jellicle Ball where Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, makes the Jelliclechoice and announces which of them will go up to the heaviside layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life. Music, dance and verse fuse together in an enchanting blend of fantasy, drama and romance.
The original show opened at the New London Theatre on 11 May 1981 and played almost 9,000 performances and celebrated 21 record-breaking years, winning an Olivier Award for Best Musical in 1981. On Broadway it was the winner of 7 Tony Awards (including Best Musical and Best Director) and ran for an amazing 18 years making it second only to “The Phantom of the Opera” as Broadway’s longest running musical.
CATS continues to be a worldwide musical phenomenon, remains one of the world’s longest running musicals and has been seen by over 50 million people. It has enchanted audiences in over 300 cities in 26 countries around the world and has been performed in at least 10 different languages. The show was last seen in the UK in 2008 where it enjoyed a hugely successful tour playing to sell-out audiences across the country. Back by popular demand the production returns with the full UK 2014 tour.
CATS has featured some of this country’s most famous stage performers including Elaine Paige (‘Grizabella’), Wayne Sleep (‘Mungojerrie’), Bonnie Langford (‘Rumpleteazer’), Paul Nicholas (‘Rum Tum Tugger’), Brian Blessed (‘Old Deuteronomy’), Sarah Brightman (‘Jemima‘) and Rosemarie Ford (‘Bombalurina’ & ‘Grizabella’).
To join the CATS at their Jellicle Ball in the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne from Tuesday 20th to Saturday 31st May call the box office on 01323 412000 or visit www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk to book online.