Cats at the Mayflower Theatre Southampton Review
Cats
Mayflower Theatre, Southampton
9-20 August 2016
Reviewed by Keith Mitchell
The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton is easily accessible by road, with surface and multi storey car parks nearby. The theatre is a magnificent throwback to the past, a former Gaumont, tastefully modernised. The staff are very helpful, cheerful and pleasant to talk to. The seating is typical velour cinema seat with adequate leg space. This show was obviously very popular as it appeared to be a sell-out, certainly in the stalls. Be warned there are flashing lights several times in the show.
For those unfamiliar with this show it is an Andrew Lloyd Webber composition of T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats which appeared in 1939. With additional material from Trevor Nunn and Richard Stilgoe, the quality of this unusual show is assured. The basic story is of a gathering once a year of Jellicle Cats in a scrapyard for a Ball. Don’t let the overture put you off, it sounds discordant and a mess (trust me, it isn’t!) but it sets the scene magnificently. The entire cast come on stage, mainly down the aisles among the audience, for the first song and the cats naming themselves and explaining what is happening. Close up, the make up on the performers is very intricate and absolutely splendid. From the start it is obvious that the performers put heart and soul into the show. Their dancing is outstanding and without doubt, the singing is top notch. All the cast convey the feline suppleness and complex characteristics of their parts.
After the initial song you are led through a great tap dance routine, a bit of rap and numerous other cats such as Bustopher Jones, Rum Tum Tugger and the truly outstanding old Grizabella, who had left the Jellicles years before and wanted to return. She is shunned by the others and is a figure of pity for the audience. Flashing lights and sirens signify Macavity (the bad one) is on the loose, causing the cats to leave the stage. Old Dueteronomy, the leader, arrives with the cats returning to join him, his vocal renditions are powerful, clear and note perfect throughout the show. We have the Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicle Dogs march with numerous cast donning dog like masks and the two sides barking at each other until they are scared away. The Jellicle Ball proceeds and Grizabella once again tries to join them but is rebuffed, singing the tremendous Memory, extremely well received by the audience.
The interval sees Old Dueteronomy staying on stage receiving members of the audience for brief chat, autograph etc. All done in a very orderly manner and extremely well marshalled by a couple of theatre staff. Kudos to you sir, the looks on youngsters’ faces, having met you, was a joy to behold!
The second half introduces more cats such as Gus, the theatre cat, Growltiger and Skimbleshanks, the railway cat. Very clever depiction of a train in this bit. Old Dueternonomy is kidnapped (or should I say catnapped) by Macavity and his cronies. Stand by for loud bang and darkness. Bring on the Magical Mr Mistoffelees to rescue the leader and restore peace. As leader, Old Dueteronomy gets to choose one cat to be reborn and welcomes back Grizabella, sending her to be reborn, cleverly done.
Throughout the show the cats leave the stage frequently back up the aisles through the audience, giving great views of them and they often interact with the audience as they pass with looks or singing directly to them. The younger members really lap this up. The energy shown by the cast never flags, some of the high kicks and splits are eye watering. This cast are highly talented professionals and it shows. The quality of dance and song throughout really brings the story alive. Clever props and aerial work enhance the production, I will not detail them, go see the show. This production is running from the 9th to the 20th of August so make the effort if you want to see it, a show of real quality. Great singing and dancing, a 5 star cast and production, well done all concerned!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £25 to £44.50 (booking fees may apply).
Cats is at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton until 20 August 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 02380 711811.
Mayflower Theatre, Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE | 02380 711811
