Some musicals are remembered for their songs, others for their storytelling. Then there is CATS, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s long-running theatrical production that combines music, dance, elaborate costumes and physical performances to create a rather unusual but thoroughly entertaining experience.
Returning to Singapore for its third season at Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, from 29 October to 22 November 2026, CATS brings audiences back into the mysterious world of the Jellicle Cats. More than four decades after its original West End debut in 1981, the production continues to demonstrate why it remains one of the most recognisable musicals in theatre history.
Based on T. S. Eliot’s 1939 poetry collection, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the musical does not follow the conventional storytelling format. Instead of one central storyline with a clear beginning, middle and end, audiences are introduced to a collection of feline characters, each with their own personalities, quirks and stories.
The cats gather for the annual Jellicle Ball, where their leader, Old Deuteronomy, must choose one among them to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and begin a new life. Through individual performances, songs and dance sequences, we get to know the different members of this peculiar community.
It is an unconventional premise, and those expecting a structured narrative may find the storytelling somewhat jarring. However, herein lies the appeal of CATS. It is less about following a traditional plot and more about immersing audiences in its imaginative world.
That world is brought to life through an impressive stage design featuring an oversized junkyard filled with everyday objects transformed into larger-than-life props. The scale of the set creates the illusion that the performers are actually cats navigating a world much bigger than themselves.
The costumes and makeup deserve particular mention.
Each character has a distinct appearance, with carefully designed feline features, textures and accessories that help establish their individual identities. Combined with the atmospheric lighting, the visual presentation makes the stage feel like an entirely different world.
The choreography is one of the production’s greatest strengths.
The cast moves with skilled agility, incorporating elements of ballet, jazz, tap and contemporary dance. There are plenty of leaps, spins, acrobatic movements and synchronised ensemble sequences that demonstrate the physical demands of the production.
We love how all the actors maintain their feline mannerisms throughout. From the way they crouch and stretch to their playful movements and occasional bursts of mischief, the performers manage to convey the personalities of cats without making the characters feel overly cartoonish.
Audience interaction is one of the interesting features of CATS.
The performers occasionally make their way into the theatre aisles, approaching unsuspecting audience members and breaking the conventional distance between the stage and the seats. It adds an element of spontaneity and humour to the experience.
The varied characters bring different flavours to the production, from the mischievous Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer to the magical Mr Mistoffelees, one of our favourites for the night. Each performer contributes to the collective energy of the Jellicle Cats, making the ensemble an important part of the show’s appeal.
However, the emotional centre of CATS remains Grizabella, portrayed by Cindy-Ann Abrahams.
Once a glamorous member of the feline community, Grizabella has become an outcast and is treated with suspicion and rejection by the other cats. Her story introduces a more reflective dimension to an otherwise colourful and energetic production.
Her signature number, “Memory”, is a familiar song that many audiences will recognise even if they have never watched CATS before.
Abrahams delivers a powerful rendition, moving from a restrained and vulnerable performance into a soaring vocal climax. There is an emotional quality to the song that goes beyond its technical demands, capturing Grizabella’s longing for acceptance, her memories of happier times and her hope for another chance.
Hearing “Memory” performed live gives the song a different impact.
The combination of the vocals, orchestration and theatrical setting creates a moment that is difficult to replicate through a recording. It is easy to understand why the number has become one of musical theatre’s most enduring songs.
Beyond the music and spectacle, there is also a more human story running beneath the surface. Grizabella’s experience touches on themes of belonging, rejection, acceptance and second chances. Although the characters are cats, their experiences are recognisable aspects of human relationships and social interactions.
The musical does not dwell on these themes through lengthy dialogue or explicit explanations. Instead, they emerge through the characters’ interactions and individual stories. This gives audiences room to interpret the performances in our own way.
The bittersweet quality of some of these stories provides a welcome contrast to the more playful moments. It is also part of what makes the production more than just a showcase of elaborate costumes and impressive dancing.
We appreciate how successfully the cast combines singing, dancing and physical acting. The performers are clearly talented, and the demands of the production require considerable stamina and coordination. The costumes are beautiful, the choreography is captivating and the set design helps transport audiences into the Jellicle world.
For anyone whose only exposure to CATS was the much-criticised 2019 film adaptation, the stage production is a very different experience. The theatrical setting allows audiences to appreciate the performers as human artists portraying feline characters, rather than relying on computer-generated transformations. The costumes, makeup and choreography make much more sense in this live setting.
More than 40 years after its debut, CATS continues to have an audience. Its return to Singapore is a good opportunity for longtime musical theatre fans to revisit a classic and for newcomers to experience one of the most distinctive productions in musical theatre.
For those who appreciate live performances, impressive choreography and the timeless strains of “Memory”, this is one Jellicle Ball worth attending.
CATS The Musical
Venue:
Sands Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Dates:
29 October to 22 November 2026
Showtimes:
Tuesday to Friday at 8pm,
Saturday at 2pm and 8pm,
Sunday at 1pm and 6.30pm.
Selected public holiday schedules may differ.
Duration:
Approximately 145 minutes, including a 20-minute interval.
Ticket prices:
From S$68 to S$238, excluding booking fees.
Dynamic pricing applies.
Tickets: Available via Marina Bay Sands and SISTIC.
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