Cats review – it’s a jellicle jumble as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s moggies get the zoomies

By Arifa Akbar · The Guardian Culture

Regent’s Park Open Air theatre, London Macavity and co are back, with the balance in Drew McOnie’s stylish revival tipped in favour of dance and acrobatics over storytelling Andrew Lloyd Webber’s cats are back and they could not inhabit a more feline-friendly space than this lush green corner of Regent’s Park. The trees swish around their nocturnal prowls and the brilliant moon on the steel crescent set shines down on their song and dance. The big cats up the road in London Zoo would surely approve? Up to a point. These animals, directed and newly choreographed by Drew McOnie, are more balletic and graceful than those in the 1981 original and the production definitely reclaims the musical’s reputation from Tom Hooper’s film which many found to be a dog’s dinner ( although some of us really didn’t mind it ). Sami Fendall’s set glimmers and glitters while her costumes rise from earthy colours to flamboyant leotard and catsuit get-ups. Continue reading...