One of the more divisive musicals from Lloyd Webber's 80s output, Cats is based on the poems of T.S. Elliot and (sort of) tells the story of a group of Cats meeting up for a Jellicle Ball, where they sing, dance and recount tales of...being a cat. While it might be a bit mystifying for modern audiences, there is no doubt that Cats was a cultural juggernaught, grossing 1 billion during its 21-year run in London and even more on Broadway. Now enjoying something of a resurgence as evidenced by McOnie's new version and Broadway's Drag-inspired Cats: The Jellicle Ball.

Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, Cats opened to the press last night at the Regent's Park venue. But did it do enough to drive the frankly terrifying 2019 film from their minds?

The Guardian
These animals, directed and newly choreographed by Drew McOnie, are more balletic and graceful than those in the 1981 original, and the production definitely reclaims the musical's reputation from Tom Hooper's film, which many found to be a dog's dinner (although some of us really didn't mind it). Sami Fendall's set glimmers and glitters while her costumes rise from earthy colours to flamboyant leotard and catsuit get-ups.

...By the end, you well and truly know how to address these cats but you would also quite like them to curl up and take a nap now.

City AM
The pack is gearing up to attend The Jellicle Ball, an annual event run by statesperson-like Old Deuteronomy, the cat who will choose one animal to be elevated from being a stray and reborn into a higher life. The animals share life stories through song and dance; there is charismatic, Harry Styles-coded Rum Tum Tugger (fantastic from Jaydon Vijn); bad guy Macavity; cheeky duo Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer; and old outcast Grizabella, who ditched the pack to go alone but returns for the chance at a new life. They're each as fabulously enchanting to watch as the last.

...Though under two moons (there's one at the top of the stage, a gorgeous set piece provoking glances up at the actual sky), this Cats still carries the strange, abstract wisdom of Eliot's writing.

All That Dazzles
...What is clear is that what Drew McOnie has created with this production is nothing short of sensational - truly awe-inspiring and a show that has just established himself as the front-runner to sweep the Olivier Awards next year. Certainly, if McOnie doesn't receive one for his choreography, I may well riot (I won't, but I'll politely sigh). Cats at Open Air Theatre really is theatre at its best - with choices as bold and daring as the ones taken here, this could have easily been a cat-astrophe. However, that is as far from reality as possible, meaning this very special production can easily be considered the theatrical equivalent of the cat that got the cream in what I consider to be an absolutely purrfect revival.

Cats is at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre until September 19th, ahead of a 2027 UK Tour