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Since Cats first opened on the West End stage in 1981, it has become one of the world’s best known and best loved musicals.
With a plot based on T.S Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and award-winning music composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cats – originally directed by Trevor Nunn and with musical staging by Gillian Lynne – has since been presented in over 20 countries and in about 250 cities, including such diverse destinations as Buenos Aires, Seoul, Helsinki and Singapore.
An all-singing, all-dancing musical spectacular, the show has also been translated into 10 languages and has not only been presented in theatres, but also in tents in Japan and Korea, an engine shed in Switzerland, and school gymnasiums across the USA.
Show Licence Agreement
CATS is licensed to academic schools, colleges and universities, theatre schools and youth groups subject to the terms and conditions listed in the respective licences below. When you apply for a licence you will be asked to confirm that you have read and agree to be bound by these terms and conditions.
If you are an academic school, college or university please click here
If you are a youth group or theatre school please click here
Cast Requirements
PRINCIPALS
- 6 Women
- 8 Men
ENSEMBLE
- Strong dancers and singers are recommended for the larger roles. Recommended minimum of 4 (1 Woman and 3 Men).
COMMENTS
- Some actors in Principal and Featured Roles are required to double in chorus roles.
CHARACTERS
- Asparagus (Gus)
- Bombalurina
- Bustopher Jones
- Demeter
- Grizabella
- Griddlebone
- Growltiger
- Jellylorum
- Jennyanydots
- Mr. Mistoffelees
- Mungojerrie
- Munkustrap
- Old Deuteronomy
- Rumpleteazer
- The Rum Tum Tugger
- Skimbleshanks
OTHER CHARACTERS (not in every production)
- Admetus
- Alonzo
- Bill Bailey
- Carbucketty
- Cassandra
- Electra
- Etcetera
- Exotica
- George
- Genghis or Gilbert
- Jemima
- Macavity
- Plato
- Pouncival
- Rumpus Cat
- Sillabub
- Tantomile
- Tumblebrutus
- Victor
- Victoria
Orchestra
16 PIECE
- Woodwind I (Flute, Tenor Sax, Soprano Sax)
- Woodwind II (Bb Clarinet, Baritone Sax, Flute)
- Woodwind III (Oboe, Cor Anglais)
- Horn I
- Horn II
- Trumpet I (Bb Trumpet, Piccolo Trumpet)
- Trumpet II (Bb Trumpet, Flugel Horn)
- Trombone
- Keyboard I (any acoustic or electric piano)
- Keyboard II (programming is essential*)
- Keyboard III (programming is essential*)
- Percussion
- Cello
- Guitar (Electric, Acoustic)
- Bass
- Drums
* II & III require keyboard programming for either Korg Tritons or Kurzweil 2500/2600 (programming is provided along with hired music materials).
Alternatively RMS Keyboards can be used (please be aware there is a cost attached – further details available upon license being granted).
For further information please download the Materials Guide on our Resources page.
Set Requirements
CATS takes place in a junkyard on the night of the Jellicle Ball.
