CATS, the longest running musical in West End and Broadway history, has opened in Cheltenham for the first time ever. | "We're all really looking forward to this being the first time CATS has come to Cheltenham" | | Fergus Logan - Resident Director |
It has enchanted audiences in over 300 cities around the World and can now be seen at the Centaur, at Cheltenham Racecourse, until Saturday 30th June 2007. It was a packed opening night but the audience were thrilled to have seen it and full of praise for the whole production. Judy Jackson from Abbeydale saw the original cast production over 20 years ago but was delighted to be there at the opening night in Cheltenham. She spoke to Mark Cummings on the BBC Radio Gloucestershire breakfast show and offered her own review: Special memories The show centres around the evening when the Jellicle cats meet for the Jellicle Ball, when music, dance and verse fuse together.
 | | Chrissie Hammond as Grizabella |
Apparently when the idea of the musical was first conceived, many thought that it was a silly concept and that nobody would want to see a show about cats. 26 years later a major UK tour continues! Racecourse Managing Director Edward Gillespie says that he's looking forward to seeing thousands of local people enjoying an experience that will give them very special memories. Resident Director Fergus Logan said: "We're all really looking forward to this being the first time CATS has come to Cheltenham". Actress Rachel Ensor agreed with Fergus's positive comments adding: "The area is beautiful, I think we'll really enjoy it here". Interviews
 | | Rachel Ensor and Camilla Bassett-Smith |
BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Camilla Bassett-Smith spoke to members of the cast including Rachel Ensor (Victoria), Stuart Ramsay (Rum Tum Tugger) and the vocally blessed Chrissie Hammond (Grizabella), asking the latter whether she looked to Elaine Paige for inspiration for her character. Listen to these interviews (plus musical clips) by clicking on the links on the top right of this page. You can also listen to what Edward Gillespie and Fergus Logan had to say about the forthcoming tour. | 
