First cast members announced for Milton Keynes Theatre’s performances of CATS

The award-winning musical is coming to Milton Keynes from June 1 to 5 2027 as part of its UK tour.

CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, having originally premiered at the New London Theatre in 1981.

It is based on the 1939 poetry collection Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by TS Eliot, a musical which tells the story of a tribe of cats known as the Jellicles, and the night they make the choice of which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer and come back to a new life.

The character of Old Deuteronomy, the leader of the Jellicle tribe, is being played by Kalisha Amaris, with the narrator and tribe protector Munkustrap, being played by Jack Wilcox.

Of the cat characters, Rum Tum Tugger will be played by Jaydon Vijn, with Mr Mistoffelees (Jet Yau), Jennyanydots and Gumbie Cat (Laura Tyrer), Bustopher Jones and Gus (Elliot Broadfoot), Skimbleshanks (Matthew Caputo), with the villain Macavity being played by Diante Lodge.

Casting for the role of Grizabella, also known as the Glamour Cat, is set to be announced later in the year.

The show is set to the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, who said: “I am very excited to see a totally new production of CATS back on the stage where it belongs.

“I can think of no one better than Drew McOnie {artistic director} to bring a new vision to the world of the Jellicles.”

Performances take place at 7.30pm each night from June 1 to 5, with afternoon performances at 2.30pm on June 2, 3 and 5.

Tickets are available now via the theatre’s website, starting at £26 for the Tuesday to Thursday shows, and £27 for the Friday and Saturday performances.

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