Cats, Palladium Theatre

As far as big names go, Cats has it all. Based on literary lion T.S Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, adapted into a lively musical by songwriter supreme Andrew Lloyd Webber, and directed by the legendary Trevor Nunn, it's a tour de force of talent.

Cats was revived last winter to triumphant ticket sales and an extended run -- no doubly helped by the pulling power of Nicole Scherzinger as Grizabella, followed by musical theatre veteran Kerry Ellis.

This year the Glamour Puss straddles the appeal of pop singer and experienced musical theatre actress. Beverley Knight shot to fame as a soul singer, winning innumerable awards thanks to a sting of hit songs including Shoulda Woulda Coulda. When she branched out to musicals, Knight revealed that her mighty voice is balanced by stage presence and acting confidence.

She will come fresh from a dazzling starring role in Memphis the Musical (which won her the 2014 Olivier for Best Actress in a Musical). We're confident that Beverley Knight vast grounding and supreme talent in musicals means that Cats is sure to keep audiences purring.

Grizabella's fellow feline characters such as Macavity the Mystery Cat, Gus the Theatre Cat, and the Jellicle Cats have become household names since the show's premiere in 1981. Cats went on to charm audiences and critics alike for an impressive 21 year run at the London New Theatre.  

This production will be based strongly on Nunn's original, with Chrissie Cartwirght "re-directing". With a string of successful West End musicals behind her (Joseph and the Technicolour Dream Coat, Evita, Mack and Mabel) Chrissie will be combining her own rich experience with Nunn's vision.