The red carpet and cat flaps were out at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall on 11 May to celebrate the 25 anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most loved musical 'Cats.' To celebrate there was a specially made birthday cake to mark the occasion and an after show party with members of the cast. Whether you are a cat lover or not, nothing could be more enchanting than this exquisite musical based on T.S Eliot’s old Possums Book of Practical Cats. 'The Jellicle Ball' Cats was created by the writer Andrew Lloyd Webber, one of the most successful musical writers ever. | "Cats could be criticized for lacking in plot but makes up for it in the cast’s performance. " | | By Diana Harris |
The show tells the story of a particular English feline tribe, the Jellicles who have come together for their annual Jellicle Ball, where each cat has to audition with a different song displaying a singing and dancing extravaganza. The Jellicle choice is then made for the cat who can be reborn. Throughout the show the feline charm is amusingly demonstrated through excellently performed dance routines. My favourite characters were Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, the naughty inquisitive cats. The Magical Mr Mistoffelees was very appealing to the children in the audience when he demonstrated his powers with flash explosions and magical illusions. The beautifully detailed makeup and costumes created a vibrant atmosphere and yet added a somewhat sinister feel to the show. There were moments when I felt that some of the music was a little dated.  | | Cats cast at the after show party |
However, the show’s finale with its best known song 'Memory' performed by Grizabella, the Glamour Cat still manages to leave you covered in goose pimples and a bit dewy eyed. Cats could be criticized for lacking in plot but it certainly makes up for it in the cast's performance. Cats may be a quarter of a century old but it's 'memory' still lives on. The show will be running until 27 May at the De Montfort Hall, Leicester. | 
