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Japan Tour
Florence, Italy
Vicenza, Italy
Reggio Calabria, Italy

The Jellicle Moon is shining bright

Adapted from TS Eliot’s ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’, this “groundbreaking musical” (Daily Express) comes together in a sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse.

CATS, one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981 where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances. The ground-breaking production, originally directed by Trevor Nunn and featuring musical staging by Gillian Lynne, was the winner of the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. In 1983, the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony awards including Best Musical, and ran for 18 years.

The magnificent musical score includes one of the most treasured songs in musical theatre - ‘Memory’, which has been recorded by over 150 artists from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace and Barry Manilow.

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Explore the Music of Cats
Get your paws on the iconic soundtrack of Cats and dive into the unforgettable songs that have captivated audiences for generations.
Robert Heindel × Cats
A selection of incredible paintings by Robert Heindel that were inspired by CATS and completed in 1985.
A Feline Phenomenon
Embark on a captivating journey through the timeline of Cats, from T.S. Eliot's beloved poems that inspired this iconic musical to the key milestones that have defined its success and captivated audiences worldwide.

Listen to two exclusive tracks from 'Unmasked: The Platinum Collection'

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Listen to two exclusive tracks from 'Unmasked: The Platinum Collection'

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Listen to two exclusive tracks from 'Unmasked: The Platinum Collection'

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Listen to two exclusive tracks from 'Unmasked: The Platinum Collection'

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A Musical Celebration of Andrew at Royal Hospital Chelsea

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A Musical Celebration of Andrew at Royal Hospital Chelsea

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A Musical Celebration of Andrew at Royal Hospital Chelsea

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A Musical Celebration of Andrew at Royal Hospital Chelsea

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The launch of the Gillian Lynne Theatre

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The launch of the Gillian Lynne Theatre

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The launch of the Gillian Lynne Theatre

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The launch of the Gillian Lynne Theatre

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Gillian Lynne

Gillian Lynne

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Gillian Lynne

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Gillian Lynne

CATS The Movie Announced For 2019

CATS The Movie Announced For 2019

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CATS The Movie Announced For 2019

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CATS The Movie Announced For 2019

Tell Me on a Sunday, Cats and Evita's China Takeover

Tell Me on a Sunday, Cats and Evita's China Takeover

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Tell Me on a Sunday, Cats and Evita's China Takeover

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Tell Me on a Sunday, Cats and Evita's China Takeover

Introducing The Official CATS Movie Trailer!

Introducing The Official CATS Movie Trailer!

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Introducing The Official CATS Movie Trailer!

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Introducing The Official CATS Movie Trailer!

Taylor Swift and Andrew Write New Original Song: "Beautiful Ghosts"

Taylor Swift and Andrew Write New Original Song: "Beautiful Ghosts"

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Taylor Swift and Andrew Write New Original Song: "Beautiful Ghosts"

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Taylor Swift and Andrew Write New Original Song: "Beautiful Ghosts"

Andrew & Taylor Swift's "Beautiful Ghosts" is out now!

Andrew & Taylor Swift's "Beautiful Ghosts" is out now!

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Andrew & Taylor Swift's "Beautiful Ghosts" is out now!

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Andrew & Taylor Swift's "Beautiful Ghosts" is out now!

New CATS Trailer Released

New CATS Trailer Released

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New CATS Trailer Released

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New CATS Trailer Released

CATS In Quarantine

CATS In Quarantine

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CATS In Quarantine

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CATS In Quarantine

The Shows Must Go On - CATS

The Shows Must Go On - CATS

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The Shows Must Go On - CATS

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The Shows Must Go On - CATS

Cats Turns 41 Today: 10 Things You Never Knew About The Show

Cats Turns 41 Today: 10 Things You Never Knew About The Show

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Cats Turns 41 Today: 10 Things You Never Knew About The Show

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Cats Turns 41 Today: 10 Things You Never Knew About The Show

Vogue Korea Have Released a Cats Photoshoot

Vogue Korea Have Released a Cats Photoshoot

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Vogue Korea Have Released a Cats Photoshoot

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Vogue Korea Have Released a Cats Photoshoot

New Cast Members Announced for CATS

New Cast Members Announced for CATS

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New Cast Members Announced for CATS

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New Cast Members Announced for CATS

Cats
Highlights from the Motion Picture Soundtrack
2019
Streaming Options
Unmasked: The Platinum Collection
Deluxe Edition
2019
Streaming Options
Buy or Stream
Cats
Original London Cast
1981
Streaming Options
All Music

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'The Rum Tum Tugger' - CATS Film Adaptation (1998)

'The Rum Tum Tugger' - CATS Film Adaptation (1998)

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'Memory' by Joanna Ampil - Music Video (2020)

'Memory' by Joanna Ampil - Music Video (2020)

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CATS Trailer (2017)

CATS Trailer (2017)

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Dive into the CATS archive to see these snaps from 2007

A selection of images from the production of CATS that toured Taiwan in 2007.
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Dive into the CATS archive to see these snaps from 2007

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Enter the world of paintings with these fantastic works of art by Robert Heindel

A selection of incredible paintings by Robert Heindel that were inspired by CATS and completed in 1985.
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Enter the world of paintings with these fantastic works of art by Robert Heindel

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T. S. Eliot wrote light, whimsical poems for his godchildren in the 1930s

In the 1930s, T. S. Eliot wrote light, whimsical poems for his godchildren, which he included in letters to them. The poems were collected and published on 5 October 1939 as a book called 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'.

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T. S. Eliot wrote light, whimsical poems for his godchildren in the 1930s

In the 1930s, T. S. Eliot wrote light, whimsical poems for his godchildren, which he included in letters to them. The poems were collected and published on 5 October 1939 as a book called 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'.

1939
1939
1939
1939

Andrew's mother read the poems from T. S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' to him at bedtime when he was a child

Andrew's first memory of T. S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' is of his mother reading the poems at bedtime when he was 6 years old. Andrew loved the poems and would read them to himself again and again; they invariably made him happy.

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Andrew's mother read the poems from T. S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' to him at bedtime when he was a child

Andrew's first memory of T. S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' is of his mother reading the poems at bedtime when he was 6 years old. Andrew loved the poems and would read them to himself again and again; they invariably made him happy.

1954
1954
1954
1954

In 1978, Andrew wanted to discover if he could write melodies to existing words

In 1978, Andrew first thought about setting the poems from T. S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' to music partly because he wanted to discover if he could write melodies to existing words. Up to that time, Andrew had worked closely with the lyricist Tim Rice, Andrew would first write the music and later Tim would focus on the words.

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In 1978, Andrew wanted to discover if he could write melodies to existing words

In 1978, Andrew first thought about setting the poems from T. S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' to music partly because he wanted to discover if he could write melodies to existing words. Up to that time, Andrew had worked closely with the lyricist Tim Rice, Andrew would first write the music and later Tim would focus on the words.

1978
1978
1978
1978

Andrew presented four newly-composed settings from T. S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'

CATS was first presented to an audience on 9 September 1978, during the 4th Sydmonton Festival. Andrew presented four newly-composed settings from T. S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' and following a very positive reception, Andrew decided to develop the whole collection as a concert piece along the lines of 'Peter and the Wolf'.

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Andrew presented four newly-composed settings from T. S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats'

CATS was first presented to an audience on 9 September 1978, during the 4th Sydmonton Festival. Andrew presented four newly-composed settings from T. S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats' and following a very positive reception, Andrew decided to develop the whole collection as a concert piece along the lines of 'Peter and the Wolf'.

1978
1978
1978
1978

Andrew began to play around with a more theatrical order of the poems

Andrew began to play around with a more theatrical order of the poems honing his musical dramatist instincts, but at no time did he think of turning them into a full blown musical.

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Andrew began to play around with a more theatrical order of the poems

Andrew began to play around with a more theatrical order of the poems honing his musical dramatist instincts, but at no time did he think of turning them into a full blown musical.

1979
1979
1979
1979

At the 6th Sydmonton Festival, Andrew presented a complete draft of the concert called 'Practical Cats'

On 12 July 1980, Andrew presented his complete draft called 'Practical Cats' based on T. S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats', which was performed by Gary Bond, Gemma Craven and Paul Nicholas at the 6th Sydmonton Festival. Andrew invited T. S. Eliot's widow, Valerie, who brought with her an unpublished poem 'Grizabella The Glamour Cat'. Valerie told Andrew her husband thought it was too sad to publish in a children's book. Upon reading the poem, Andrew realised the story of Grizabella brought a different and emotional heart to the anthology and that it would make a fantastic piece of musical theatre.

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At the 6th Sydmonton Festival, Andrew presented a complete draft of the concert called 'Practical Cats'

On 12 July 1980, Andrew presented his complete draft called 'Practical Cats' based on T. S. Eliot's 'Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats', which was performed by Gary Bond, Gemma Craven and Paul Nicholas at the 6th Sydmonton Festival. Andrew invited T. S. Eliot's widow, Valerie, who brought with her an unpublished poem 'Grizabella The Glamour Cat'. Valerie told Andrew her husband thought it was too sad to publish in a children's book. Upon reading the poem, Andrew realised the story of Grizabella brought a different and emotional heart to the anthology and that it would make a fantastic piece of musical theatre.

1980
1980
1980
1980

Spotify Entry

Grizabella: The Glamour Cat from CATS Original Cast Album (1981)

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Spotify Entry

Grizabella: The Glamour Cat from CATS Original Cast Album (1981)

1980
1980
1980
1980

Valerie Eliot presented Andrew with a poem about dogs & cats and a letter from T.S. Eliot.

Valerie Eliot also presented Andrew with a poem about dogs & cats and a letter from T.S. Eliot that suggested this was to be the opening of some sort of entertainment that ended with the animals getting into a big balloon that took them 'up, up, up past the Russell Hotel, up, up, up, to the Heaviside Layer'. Along the way, there was to be some sort of Jellicle event, which could be what the poems refer to as a 'Jellicle Ball'.

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Valerie Eliot presented Andrew with a poem about dogs & cats and a letter from T.S. Eliot.

Valerie Eliot also presented Andrew with a poem about dogs & cats and a letter from T.S. Eliot that suggested this was to be the opening of some sort of entertainment that ended with the animals getting into a big balloon that took them 'up, up, up past the Russell Hotel, up, up, up, to the Heaviside Layer'. Along the way, there was to be some sort of Jellicle event, which could be what the poems refer to as a 'Jellicle Ball'.

1980
1980
1980
1980

After T. S. Eliot wrote the letter, he decided to make the anthology about cats alone

After T. S. Eliot wrote the letter, he decided to make the anthology about cats alone. The only dog poem that was to be featured was 'The Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles', presumably because the tense dog induced situation Eliot described was dealt with by 'The Great Rumpuscat'.

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After T. S. Eliot wrote the letter, he decided to make the anthology about cats alone

After T. S. Eliot wrote the letter, he decided to make the anthology about cats alone. The only dog poem that was to be featured was 'The Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles', presumably because the tense dog induced situation Eliot described was dealt with by 'The Great Rumpuscat'.

1980
1980
1980
1980

Andrew wondered if the cat poems could give him the opportunity to compose dance music for theatre

From the late 1970s into 1980, dance was exploding in the UK and Andrew wondered if T. S. Eliot's poems, particularly the one about a 'Jellicle Ball', could give him the opportunity to compose dance music for theatre.

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Andrew wondered if the cat poems could give him the opportunity to compose dance music for theatre

From the late 1970s into 1980, dance was exploding in the UK and Andrew wondered if T. S. Eliot's poems, particularly the one about a 'Jellicle Ball', could give him the opportunity to compose dance music for theatre.

1980
1980
1980
1980

Andrew spoke to Cameron Mackintosh, Gillian Lynne, Trevor Nunn and John Napier about a new musical

Andrew first spoke to Cameron Mackintosh about a stage musical who was also passionate about musicals but, at that point, had not produced any big hits. Cameron suggested Gillian Lynne as a choreographer and initial discussions with her led them to director Trevor Nunn who, in turn, introduced them to them to the designer, John Napier.

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Andrew spoke to Cameron Mackintosh, Gillian Lynne, Trevor Nunn and John Napier about a new musical

Andrew first spoke to Cameron Mackintosh about a stage musical who was also passionate about musicals but, at that point, had not produced any big hits. Cameron suggested Gillian Lynne as a choreographer and initial discussions with her led them to director Trevor Nunn who, in turn, introduced them to them to the designer, John Napier.

1980
1980
1980
1980

A recording of 'Magical Mr. Mistoffelees' by Paul Nicholas was released as a promotional single by Polydor in late 1980

A recording of 'Magical Mr. Mistoffelees' by Paul Nicholas was first released as a promotional single by Polydor in late 1980. The single was later included in the original London cast recording, for which Paul Nicholas originating the role of Rum Tum Tugger.

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A recording of 'Magical Mr. Mistoffelees' by Paul Nicholas was released as a promotional single by Polydor in late 1980

A recording of 'Magical Mr. Mistoffelees' by Paul Nicholas was first released as a promotional single by Polydor in late 1980. The single was later included in the original London cast recording, for which Paul Nicholas originating the role of Rum Tum Tugger.

1980
1980
1980
1980

Spotify Entry

Mr. Mistoffelees by Paul Nicholas from CATS Original Cast Album (1981)

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Spotify Entry

Mr. Mistoffelees by Paul Nicholas from CATS Original Cast Album (1981)

1980
1980
1980
1980

Judi Dench was offered the roles of Grizabella and Jennyanydots, while Wayne Sleep was offered the role of Mistoffelees

Judi Dench was first offered the roles of Grizabella and Jennyanydots, and Wayne Sleep was offered the role of Mistoffelees. Rehearsals begain at the beginning of 1981, during which Judi Dench very sadly snapped her achilles tendon. Elaine Page went on to originate the iconic role of Grizabella in 1981.

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Judi Dench was offered the roles of Grizabella and Jennyanydots, while Wayne Sleep was offered the role of Mistoffelees

Judi Dench was first offered the roles of Grizabella and Jennyanydots, and Wayne Sleep was offered the role of Mistoffelees. Rehearsals begain at the beginning of 1981, during which Judi Dench very sadly snapped her achilles tendon. Elaine Page went on to originate the iconic role of Grizabella in 1981.

1980
1980
1980
1980

Andrew showed lyricist Richard Stilgoe the Cinderella story and talked about trains

In early 1981, Andrew asked lyricist Richard Stilgoe to help with the opening number of CATS, which was in rehearsal and due to open at the New London Theatre that May. Stilgoe recalls that "once CATS was put out for the night, Andrew showed me the ‘Cinderella’ story and talked to me of trains". Andrew decided to rework some of the musical ideas from the Cinderella project into his own work.

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Andrew showed lyricist Richard Stilgoe the Cinderella story and talked about trains

In early 1981, Andrew asked lyricist Richard Stilgoe to help with the opening number of CATS, which was in rehearsal and due to open at the New London Theatre that May. Stilgoe recalls that "once CATS was put out for the night, Andrew showed me the ‘Cinderella’ story and talked to me of trains". Andrew decided to rework some of the musical ideas from the Cinderella project into his own work.

1981
1981
1981
1981

The world premiere and original London production of CATS opened at the New London Theatre

The world premiere and original London production of CATS opened at the New London Theatre on 11 May 1981. During the performance just before the curtain call, there was a bomb scare that turned the audience and fully cat-costumed cast out onto the London streets until the all clear was given.

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The world premiere and original London production of CATS opened at the New London Theatre

The world premiere and original London production of CATS opened at the New London Theatre on 11 May 1981. During the performance just before the curtain call, there was a bomb scare that turned the audience and fully cat-costumed cast out onto the London streets until the all clear was given.

1981
1981
1981
1981

The original production of CATS won the Laurence Olivier Award for 'Best New Musical'

The original production of CATS received a number of nominations and won 5 awards, including 'Best Musical' at the 1981 Evening Standard Theatre Awards, 'Best New Musical' and Gillian Lynne for 'Outstanding Achievement in a Musical' at the 1981 Laurence Olivier Awards, 'Best British Musical' and "Memory" for 'Best Song Musically and Lyrically' at the 1982 Ivor Novello Awards.

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The original production of CATS won the Laurence Olivier Award for 'Best New Musical'

The original production of CATS received a number of nominations and won 5 awards, including 'Best Musical' at the 1981 Evening Standard Theatre Awards, 'Best New Musical' and Gillian Lynne for 'Outstanding Achievement in a Musical' at the 1981 Laurence Olivier Awards, 'Best British Musical' and "Memory" for 'Best Song Musically and Lyrically' at the 1982 Ivor Novello Awards.

1981
1981
1981
1981

The Original London Cast Album of CATS was released by Polydor Records

On 1 July 1981, the Original London Cast Album of CATS was released by Polydor Records. It reached its peak position of no. 6 in August that same year.

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The Original London Cast Album of CATS was released by Polydor Records

On 1 July 1981, the Original London Cast Album of CATS was released by Polydor Records. It reached its peak position of no. 6 in August that same year.

1981
1981
1981
1981

Barbra Streisand recorded 'Memory' for her album 'Memories'

American singer, songwriter, actress and director Barbra Streisand recorded 'Memory' for her album 'Memories' on 15 September 1981. The album was released in November 1981 but the single wasn't released until February 1982.

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Barbra Streisand recorded 'Memory' for her album 'Memories'

American singer, songwriter, actress and director Barbra Streisand recorded 'Memory' for her album 'Memories' on 15 September 1981. The album was released in November 1981 but the single wasn't released until February 1982.

1981
1981
1981
1981

Youtube Link

Memory by Barbra Streisand from Memories (1981)

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Youtube Link

Memory by Barbra Streisand from Memories (1981)

1981
1981
1981
1981

The original Broadway production of CATS opened at the Winter Garden theatre.

On 7 October 1982, the original Broadway production of CATS opened at the Winter Garden theatre, and starred Betty Buckley as Grizabella.

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The original Broadway production of CATS opened at the Winter Garden theatre.

On 7 October 1982, the original Broadway production of CATS opened at the Winter Garden theatre, and starred Betty Buckley as Grizabella.

1982
1982
1982
1982

The song 'Memory' has been covered by numerous musical acts and by 2006, there were around 600 recorded versions of the song

The song 'Memory' was covered by Barry Manilow and released as a single in late 1982; it became the highest-charting version to date on the Billboard Hot 100 when it reached No. 39 in January 1983. It has been covered by numerous musical acts since and by 2006, there were around 600 recorded versions of the song, ranging from easy listening to techno covers.

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The song 'Memory' has been covered by numerous musical acts and by 2006, there were around 600 recorded versions of the song

The song 'Memory' was covered by Barry Manilow and released as a single in late 1982; it became the highest-charting version to date on the Billboard Hot 100 when it reached No. 39 in January 1983. It has been covered by numerous musical acts since and by 2006, there were around 600 recorded versions of the song, ranging from easy listening to techno covers.

1983
1983
1983
1983

CATS was nominated for ten Tony Awards and won seven

At the 37th annual Tony Awards on 5 June 1983, CATS was nominated for ten awards and won seven, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Costume Design, and Best Lighting Design.

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CATS was nominated for ten Tony Awards and won seven

At the 37th annual Tony Awards on 5 June 1983, CATS was nominated for ten awards and won seven, including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical, Best Direction of a Musical, Best Costume Design, and Best Lighting Design.

1983
1983
1983
1983

CATS opened in Japan! Produced by the Shiki Theatre Company

CATS opened in Tokyo on 11 November 1983. Produced by Shiki Theatre Company it became Japan’s first long-running musical theatre production and its popularity continued to this day.

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CATS opened in Japan! Produced by the Shiki Theatre Company

CATS opened in Tokyo on 11 November 1983. Produced by Shiki Theatre Company it became Japan’s first long-running musical theatre production and its popularity continued to this day.

1983
1983
1983
1983

Andrew won an award at the 26th annual Grammy Awards

On 28 February 1984, Andrew won an award at the 26th annual Grammy Awards for the 'Best Cast Show Album' with the CATS Original Broadway Cast Recording album.

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Andrew won an award at the 26th annual Grammy Awards

On 28 February 1984, Andrew won an award at the 26th annual Grammy Awards for the 'Best Cast Show Album' with the CATS Original Broadway Cast Recording album.

1984
1984
1984
1984

Spotify Entry

Prologue: Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats - CATS Original Broadway Cast Recording Album (1983)

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Spotify Entry

Prologue: Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats - CATS Original Broadway Cast Recording Album (1983)

1984
1984
1984
1984

The first UK Tour of CATS opened at the Winter Gardens theatre in Blackpool

The first UK Tour of CATS opened at the Winter Gardens theatre in Blackpool on 22 May 1989, which starred Marti Webb as Grizabella Since until November 1989. There have been numerous other UK tours, some of which have continued around Europe and internationally.

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The first UK Tour of CATS opened at the Winter Gardens theatre in Blackpool

The first UK Tour of CATS opened at the Winter Gardens theatre in Blackpool on 22 May 1989, which starred Marti Webb as Grizabella Since until November 1989. There have been numerous other UK tours, some of which have continued around Europe and internationally.

1989
1989
1989
1989

The original CATS film was released in the UK and starred musical theatre legend, Elaine Paige as Grizabella

The original CATS film was released in the UK on 5th October 1998. It was filmed at the Adelphi Theatre and starred musical theatre legend, Elaine Paige as Grizabella and John Partridge as Rum Tum Tugger.

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The original CATS film was released in the UK and starred musical theatre legend, Elaine Paige as Grizabella

The original CATS film was released in the UK on 5th October 1998. It was filmed at the Adelphi Theatre and starred musical theatre legend, Elaine Paige as Grizabella and John Partridge as Rum Tum Tugger.

1998
1998
1998
1998

Youtube Link

Rum Tum Tugger from CATS Film (1998)

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Youtube Link

Rum Tum Tugger from CATS Film (1998)

1998
1998
1998
1998

The Australian CATS Circus Tour, officially called 'CATS - Run Away to the Circus' was the first production of Cats that was played in a big top

On 11 December 1999, the CATS Circus Tour ('CATS - Run Away to the Circus', as it was officially called) was the first production of Cats that was played in a big top. It toured through Australia until 24 February 2001. Because the show took place in a circus tent, the audience sat around the stage, similar to the original London production at the New London Theatre. The tent was much bigger than a usual big top; it had circa 2000 seats.

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The Australian CATS Circus Tour, officially called 'CATS - Run Away to the Circus' was the first production of Cats that was played in a big top

On 11 December 1999, the CATS Circus Tour ('CATS - Run Away to the Circus', as it was officially called) was the first production of Cats that was played in a big top. It toured through Australia until 24 February 2001. Because the show took place in a circus tent, the audience sat around the stage, similar to the original London production at the New London Theatre. The tent was much bigger than a usual big top; it had circa 2000 seats.

1999
1999
1999
1999

The original Broadway production of CATS closed after 7485 performances

The original Broadway production of CATS closed after 7485 performances on 10 September 2000. At the time, it was Broadway's longest running show but now stands at number five.

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The original Broadway production of CATS closed after 7485 performances

The original Broadway production of CATS closed after 7485 performances on 10 September 2000. At the time, it was Broadway's longest running show but now stands at number five.

2000
2000
2000
2000

The original London production of CATS closed after 8949 performances - 21 years to the day after it opened

The original London production of CATS closed after 8949 performances on 11 May 2002 - 21 years to the day. On this day it was the 2nd longest-running West End show but now stands at number seven.

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The original London production of CATS closed after 8949 performances - 21 years to the day after it opened

The original London production of CATS closed after 8949 performances on 11 May 2002 - 21 years to the day. On this day it was the 2nd longest-running West End show but now stands at number seven.

2002
2002
2002
2002

CATS returned to the West End after 12 years and opened at the London Palladium

CATS returned to the West End after 12 years and opened on 11 December 2014 at the London Palladium starring Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella. This production was nominated for two Olivier Awards at the 2015 annual ceremony; these were 'Best Musical Revival' and Nicole Scherzinger for 'Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical'.

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CATS returned to the West End after 12 years and opened at the London Palladium

CATS returned to the West End after 12 years and opened on 11 December 2014 at the London Palladium starring Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella. This production was nominated for two Olivier Awards at the 2015 annual ceremony; these were 'Best Musical Revival' and Nicole Scherzinger for 'Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a Musical'.

2014
2014
2014
2014

CATS returned to the West End a year later

After two months in Blackpool at the Winter Gardens Theatre, CATS returned to the West End for another run at the London Palladium starring Beverley Knight as Grizabella and opened on 23 October 2015.

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CATS returned to the West End a year later

After two months in Blackpool at the Winter Gardens Theatre, CATS returned to the West End for another run at the London Palladium starring Beverley Knight as Grizabella and opened on 23 October 2015.

2015
2015
2015
2015

CATS returned to Broadway after 17 years and opened at the Neil Simon Theatre

CATS returned to Broadway after 17 years and opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on 30 June 2017.

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CATS returned to Broadway after 17 years and opened at the Neil Simon Theatre

CATS returned to Broadway after 17 years and opened at the Neil Simon Theatre on 30 June 2017.

2017
2017
2017
2017

Andrew wrote a new song for the second CATS film called 'Beautiful Ghosts', which was performed by Taylor Swift

On 20 December 2019, the second CATS film was released in the UK. This film was directed by Tom Hooper and starred James Corden as Bustopher Jones, Judi Dench as Old Deuteronomy, Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger, Idris Elba as Macavity, Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots, Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella, Ian McKellen as Gus the Theatre Cat, and Taylor Swift as Bombalurina. Andrew wrote a new song for this CATS film called 'Beautiful Ghosts', which was performed by Taylor Swift.

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Andrew wrote a new song for the second CATS film called 'Beautiful Ghosts', which was performed by Taylor Swift

On 20 December 2019, the second CATS film was released in the UK. This film was directed by Tom Hooper and starred James Corden as Bustopher Jones, Judi Dench as Old Deuteronomy, Jason Derulo as Rum Tum Tugger, Idris Elba as Macavity, Rebel Wilson as Jennyanydots, Jennifer Hudson as Grizabella, Ian McKellen as Gus the Theatre Cat, and Taylor Swift as Bombalurina. Andrew wrote a new song for this CATS film called 'Beautiful Ghosts', which was performed by Taylor Swift.

2019
2019
2019
2019

Youtube Link

Beautiful Ghosts Featurette with Taylor Swift & Andrew

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Youtube Link

Beautiful Ghosts Featurette with Taylor Swift & Andrew

2019
2019
2019
2019

Cats: The Jellicle Ball opened at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York (PAC NYC)

On 20 June 2024, Cats: The Jellicle Ball opened at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York (PAC NYC), which was a radical reimagining of the traditional musical and inspired by the Ballroom culture that roared out of NYC over 50 years ago. It was staged as a spectacularly immersive competition by Zhailon Levingston and PAC NYC Artistic Director Bill Rauch, with all-new Ballroom and club beats, runway-ready choreography by Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles.

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Cats: The Jellicle Ball opened at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York (PAC NYC)

On 20 June 2024, Cats: The Jellicle Ball opened at the Perelman Performing Arts Center in New York (PAC NYC), which was a radical reimagining of the traditional musical and inspired by the Ballroom culture that roared out of NYC over 50 years ago. It was staged as a spectacularly immersive competition by Zhailon Levingston and PAC NYC Artistic Director Bill Rauch, with all-new Ballroom and club beats, runway-ready choreography by Arturo Lyons and Omari Wiles.

2024
2024
2024
2024
Cats
2019
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Masterpiece
2002
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Royal Albert Hall Celebration
1998
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Cats
1998
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Music
Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics
T. S. Eliot, Trevor Nunn & Richard Stilgoe
Based on
T. S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats”
Original Direction
Trevor Nunn
Original Choreography
Gillian Lynne
Opened
11 May 1981 at New London Theatre (now Gillian Lynne Theatre)  in London

Interested in staging your very own production of Cats with your school or group? We can’t wait to hear about it! Please remember, though, that applications to licence the show are subject to review and availability, and will differ based on various elements.

Visit the ALW Show Licensing website to find out more.

ALW Show Licensing

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