Step into a world of enchanting felines and timeless melodies as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical, CATS, returns to Theatre Royal Sydney. Celebrating its 40th anniversary in June 2025, this legendary production is set to captivate audiences once more, in the very theatre where its Australian journey began back in 1985.
CATS first leapt onto the stage at the New London Theatre in 1981, revolutionising musical theatre with its dazzling fusion of music, dance, and T.S. Eliot’s whimsical poetry from Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats. Since then, it has mesmerised over 81 million viewers across more than 50 countries, earning accolades including the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. On Broadway, it reigned supreme for 18 years, collecting seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and establishing itself as a defining piece of the British “mega-musical” phenomenon.
Producer John Frost of Crossroads Live reflects on the show’s enduring allure: “CATS is a legendary show that I’ve admired for over 40 years. A sparkling fusion of music, dance, and verse, it was revolutionary when it first opened and enticed new audiences into the world of musical theatre. I can’t wait to bring the original production of CATS back to Australia where it all began, at Theatre Royal Sydney, to celebrate its 40th anniversary in Australia.”
The magic of CATS lies in its heartwarming tale of the Jellicle cat tribe. Each year, these unique felines gather for the Jellicle Ball, where their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, makes the pivotal Jellicle choice, deciding which cat will ascend to the fabled Heaviside Layer to be reborn. The musical’s narrative is beautifully interwoven with Lloyd Webber’s unforgettable score, featuring the hauntingly beautiful “Memory.” This song has resonated with audiences around the globe, recorded by legendary voices such as Celine Dion and Barbra Streisand.
With its spectacular sets, breathtaking choreography, and a cast that brings Eliot’s beloved characters to life, CATS promises a theatrical experience that transcends time. Whether you’re revisiting this classic or discovering it for the first time, the allure of this musical masterpiece is irresistible.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this magical celebration. Secure your place in line by joining the waitlist at www.catsthemusical.com.au, and prepare to let the memory live again in a performance that promises to enchant and inspire.