Feline activity on the stage of the Regent Theatre Ipswich - reviewed by Jazelle Johnson.
“Do I actually see with my own very eyes, a man who’s not heard of a Jellicle Cat?” Well, to save any embarrassment, allow me to fill you in. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical masterpiece Cats has taken over the Ipswich Regent Theatre for six nights after a staggering 32 years in the West End. Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s very own book of poems ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’, the songs are musical adaptations of these original works. The play centres on a group of musical junkyard cats who compete for the annual prize at The Jellicle Ball – the chance to be reborn. Each cat sings an individual plea for the prize, the winner of which is to be decided by the grand Old Deuteronomy. A brief synopsis is a must for any first-timers, as I found out the hard way having to explain the plot to several people in my party who were daunted by the highly original premise.
Regardless of the plot, the play is a two hour spectacle of grace, artistry and pure musical talent. In the opening scene a trance-like state is created using a hypnotic light display while the cast chant in chorus – a sensation that resonates throughout the entire play. There is a haunting quality to this musical that I can’t quite put my finger on, but right from the opening scene it is obvious to all that this musical is not going to be like any other.
The set design is inspired – an oversized junkyard used to make the cast appear as small as cats against the background. Genius! In addition to this, the set subtly changes from scene to scene with transitions so flawless it goes completely unnoticed. The fluid movements and impeccable precision of each action are a credit to the time and effort put into performing this play; this production is top-notch in every way, from the physical theatre right down to the characterisation. It is this attention to detail and pure perfection of the cast that gives this musical its magical feel. After a while you find yourself questioning whether or not this is natural, or whether you are watching some new, superhuman breed of actors due to their suspiciously perfect performances. The choreography alone is astounding – providing what seems to be one seamless piece of choreography for two hours straight. I don’t know how the cast manage to make it look so effortless but the admiration for their talent was a very popular topic among the crowd.
Unlike some musicals there is very little speech in the play, perhaps four or five lines are spoken, so that majority of the dialogue is implied through dance and the musical direction of Tim Davies. It is a true testimony to the power of music that certain scenes within Cats can be so touching and expressive without even one word being uttered. The songs themselves deserve credit also, because they are so well written that even after the first verse you find yourself singing along to them, which wouldn’t be so bad if we all had the range needed to do so! Obviously, a girl can dream but nothing can compare to the breath-taking vocals of the professionals.
I am thrilled that the Regent brought the West End to Ipswich this Christmas for a little bit of ‘Mistoffelees’ magic; it is no surprise that Cats has managed to survive for over 30 years. The quality of this musical is impossible to match and the original plot means it’s in a league of its own. No other musical has been able to pull off a similar narrative during the play’s lifespan and I suggest everyone should experience at least once. It may be a bit unusual for some people’s tastes but everything about the play just oozes pure perfection and that is something that cannot be disputed.
Blogs and reviews posted on Ipswich Town and Waterfront are generated by the people who make up the community of Ipswich. If you are passionate about Ipswich and have a great story to share about our town then please get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.
Natalie Chaplin
