The Jellicle cats have well and truly arrived in Perth, with the 40th Anniversary Australian tour of CATS currently dazzling audiences at Crown Theatre. This iconic Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is a joy to watch, and an excellent choice for families looking to introduce younger children to the magic of musical theatre.
From the moment the overture begins, the production is an immersive spectacle. The dancing is nothing short of incredible – athletic, precise and full of character – and the vocals throughout are outstanding. Even if your children aren’t familiar with the show, they’ll be hooked by the energy on stage and the larger-than-life feline personalities weaving through the audience.
Unlike many modern family musicals, CATS doesn’t have a straightforward, dialogue-driven plot. Instead, it’s based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats – a collection of whimsical poems about different cats. This means there’s no complex storyline for younger kids to follow; rather, each number introduces a new character through song and dance. For families, this is a big plus: children can simply sit back and enjoy the spectacle without worrying about “what’s going on”.
The cast of this anniversary tour is superb. Gabriyel Thomas brings real emotional weight to Grizabella, with a spine-tingling rendition of “Memory” that truly earns its reputation as one of musical theatre’s great showstoppers. Todd McKenney is a standout, bringing infectious charisma and humour to Bustopher Jones and Asparagus the Theatre Cat, while Mark Vincent lends warmth and gravitas as Old Deuteronomy.
Rum Tum Tugger, played by Des Flanagan, was a huge crowd favourite at our performance – cheeky, rebellious and full of rock-star swagger. His number had the audience laughing, clapping along and completely drawn into the Jellicle world.
The ensemble is “bursting with talent”, delivering breathtaking choreography that keeps the show moving at a lively pace and holds even younger attention spans.
One of the highlights for families is the amount of audience interaction. The cats frequently leave the stage to roam the aisles, making for some magical close-up moments, especially for children. If you’re yet to book your seats, it’s well worth aiming for spots close to the aisle in the stalls to make the most of this. Being right in the middle of the Jellicle action adds an extra layer of excitement for little theatre-goers.
With its timeless music, spectacular costumes, and mesmerising choreography, CATS at Crown Theatre is a fantastic night out for both seasoned theatre lovers and first-timers. For children, it’s a gentle and visually captivating introduction to musical theatre; for adults, it’s a nostalgic chance to “let the memory live again”.
Cats the Musical is playing at Crown Theatre Perth until 6 December, with a range of evening and matinee performances perfect for families. If you’re looking for a memorable, magical outing with the kids, this paw-some classic is well worth adding to your calendar.
Cats the Musical – Perth Season
Venue Crown Theatre
Season 8 November – 6 December
Performance Times Tues-Sat 7.30pm, Sat 2pm, Sun 1pm & 6pm,
Wed mat 19 Nov & 3 Dec 1pm (schedule varies weekly)
Prices: From $69.90 (Transaction fees apply)
Bookings: catsthemusical.com.au or 136 100
Groups 8+ email [email protected]
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After spending 11 years in London working in the television industry for the BBC, Jennie McNichol made the move to Perth in 2010. As the Co-Founder and Editor of Buggybuddys, she has been able to use her experience and passion for helping families to create a trusted online resource for parents across Perth.
Jennie is the proud mother of two daughters, aged 16 & 14 and is a big advocate of the family-friendly lifestyle that Perth has to offer.
