Features

Five Reasons To See … Cats On Tour

Joanna Ampil is no stranger to the Manchester stage, having played Kim in the first UK Tour of Miss Saigon at the Palace Theatre. She is back in a different show – this time – she plays a moggy, Grizabella – the most iconic feline friend in the hit musical – Cats and gets to belt out “Memory” night after night. Here, she gives us five reasons why you should see Cats at the Manchester Opera House.


1. It’s a Classic Feline Tail
If you want to see a classic musical then Cats is your show. It is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history and has been seen by over 50 million people. It has enchanted audiences in over 300 cities in 26 countries around the world and has been performed in at least 10 different languages – a true worldwide musical phenomenon!

2. A show for animal lovers everywhere
The show allows you to experience a totally different world and life of felines. If you want to get up close to a cat, and not just an ordinary one, then you will certainly get that in this show.

3. Lord Andrew Webber
If you are a fan of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music like me, this is one of his best works. The original record breaking show was directed by Trevor Nunn with choreography by Gillian Lynne. We have been working with the very talented and knowledgeable Chrissie Cartwright who has beautifully re-created the original direction and choreography.

4. Britain’s Got Talent
It’s a wonderful, talented cast performing and the interpretation of the show is beautiful.  You will certainly be watching some future superstars.

5. For kittens to elderly cats
Cats is a show for all ages. Based on T.S Eliot’s ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’, the lyrics for the songs are taken from this set of poems which T.S. Eliot wrote for his nieces, nephews and god-children. Combined with spectacular set design and extraordinary costumes, it is a uniquely magical musical.


Joanna Ampil is in Cats at the Manchester Opera House until 20 April.