CATS Turns 40! Here’s Why This Musical is the Purr-fect Night Out for Parents

Get ready to break out the glitter, the glam, and your inner theatre kid—because CATS the Musical is back, baby. And she’s celebrating her 40th anniversary in true Jellicle style!

Whether you remember singing along to Memory as a teen, or you’ve never quite worked out what the heck the Jellicle Ball actually is, this is your chance to see one of the most iconic musicals of all time back on stage—bigger, better, and yes, even more feline fabulous than ever.

The CATS Are Coming Home

Kicking off at Theatre Royal Sydney from 17 June, the 40th Anniversary Australian tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS is bringing all the nostalgia, vocal power and jaw-dropping choreography parents like us have been craving. Adelaide and Melbourne, you’re next—so dust off your faux fur and book the babysitter!

This is not just a revival—it’s a full-circle moment, with original cast members returning to the stage (cue the applause from theatre nerds everywhere).

Meet the (First!) Star-Studded Cast

Todd McKenney is back where it all began—playing Bustopher Jones and Gus the Theatre Cat. He actually starred in the original Melbourne run of CATS back in 1987. You know him from Wicked, Dancing With The Stars, and being an all-round Aussie stage legend.

Mark Vincent, Australia’s golden-voiced classical singer (you might remember him winning Australia’s Got Talent at just 15), takes on the wise and powerful Old Deuteronomy. Honestly? Goosebumps incoming.

Leigh Archer returns to the CATS stage as the charming Jennyanydots, also known as the “Gumbie Cat.” She’s had an incredible career spanning musicals, cabaret, and cruise ships—now she’s back and ready to pounce.

Producer John Frost summed it up best: “Australia has an enduring love for CATS and it’s time to let the memory live again.”

So… What Is CATS About Again?

If you’re still a bit fuzzy (pun intended), here’s a refresher. Based on T.S. Eliot’s quirky book of feline poetry, CATS tells the story of a group of mysterious, musical cats—the Jellicles—who gather once a year to choose one among them to be reborn into a new life.

It’s weird. It’s whimsical. It’s surprisingly emotional. And it includes Memory, one of the most haunting musical theatre ballads of all time—covered by everyone from Barbra Streisand to Celine Dion.

Why This Is the Ultimate Night Off for Parents

Let’s be real—date nights don’t come around often. But this one’s worth pencilling into the calendar (and bribing the grandparents to babysit). It’s:

• A dose of nostalgia if you grew up on ’80s and ’90s musicals
• A visual feast of sparkles, acrobatics and fur-covered fabulousness
• A reminder that yes, you can still be cultured and cool—even if you had chicken nuggets for dinner
• And let’s face it—cat drama is always entertaining.

Plus, you’ll be supporting Aussie theatre and watching world-class talent strut, leap, and meow their way through some of musical theatre’s most iconic roles.

Tour Dates & Booking Info

Sydney
Venue: Theatre Royal Sydney
Season: From 17 June
Tix from $69.90 – Book here

Adelaide
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre
Season: From September
Waitlist now open – Join here

Melbourne
Venue: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
Season: From 21 December
Tix from $69.90 – Book here