TheLittleSongbird For a while I didn't call myself a fan of Cats, as a matter of fact I was one of those who dismissed it as having only one good song. Over-time though, the musical has really grown on me, it is charming and fun and the songs are very catchy(not just Memory), so now I feel that my initial assessment was unfair. And it was thanks to this performance, which, apart from some sloppy lip-synching, some awkward editing between some numbers and the omission of Growltiger's Last Stand(the number where everything that people love about Cats is in it), is very good and entertaining. It is a beautifully designed production, the costumes are cute and have a hint of realism, the make-up is tasteful and not over-the-top, the lighting is not too dark or bright(loved the haunting coolness of it during Memory) and the sets are clever and don't come across as obstacles for the performers. The editing may be awkward but the camera work is excellent, likewise with the sound quality. The stage direction brings out all the humour, charm and heart that Cats has and it more than compensates for the often-mentioned lack of story. The choreography, helped by such spirited dancing, positively sparkles too. The band bring great energy to the score, the chorus sing with involvement and there is care to blend with one another. The performances are on the money. Elaine Paige gives a beautifully sung and very heartfelt rendition of Memory, John Mills is wonderful and quite poignant in his role and Ken Page is a regal presence with a voice that is not just large in range and size but resonant throughout the voice. Jacob Brent has the right innocence and slyness for Mistofelees and has a voice that carries very nicely. Michael Gruber and John Patridge are perfect in their roles, Jason Gardiner's Alonzo is forcefully arrogant(and in just the right way and approach) and Veerle Casteleyn is very touching with eyes that will make you go weak at the knees literally. All in all, a very good performance of a musical that has grown on me overtime. 8/10 Bethany Cox

kcdl Firstly I would like to say that I love musicals. I also like a lot of Andrew Lloyd Webber songs, I'm not a ALW hater. So I wasn't biased from the the start.Cats does have its good points: great costumes, good dancing and Memories. That is it.There is almost no plot to think of at all. Take your average action movie. Now think of something with a million times less plot than that. At this point you are still imagining something with more storyline than Cats. This wouldn't have bothered me at all except for the fact that most of the songs are really really bad and totally forgettable. So a storyline to hold the interest would have been much appreciated. Instead we have a bunch of very superficial adjective ladened songs introducing cats. Once the characters are introduced....it ends. The whole musical is introducing various cats collectively and individually and the very vaguest of story lines is resolved without any drama whatsoever. Right near the end there is the smallest glimmer of conflict, which is then resolved in the most anticlimactic way.Memories is a good song that landed in a wasteland of musically boring lyrically bankrupt songs. Even its power is someone diminished by the fact it is reprised multiple times.Cats is a musical version of a tourist trap. It has an illusion of great promise which is maintained by a few mad fans and probably its one good song but no substance to back it up.

Eowyn1967 I just discovered this video and I'm totally addicted. Some people complain on the lack of plot... well, what could they expect seeing it is based on a book of poems, and written for a child at that.Cats is utterly enjoyable for the beauty of the songs and choreography, for the costumes and colours, for its energy, fun and gaiety. But if you're seeking intellectual stimulation, this is obviously not the show to watch, which is just fine as it is nice to watch undemanding shows like this from time to time.The funny songs, Skimbleshanks, Mungojerry and Rumpleteazer are really great fun to watch and contrast with the sad nostalgic songs. John Mill's performance is very moving and as for Elaine Paige, she is just unforgettable. The DVD is worth buying if only to just watch and re watch her singing Memory. The only performance that did not enthuse me was that of Rum Tum Tugger and his slithering hip moves.All in all, a great show I'd have loved to have seen on stage! This is great family entertainment.

mmka1 I know that most others will strongly disagree with my comments, and I have waited quite some time to to express them.Very poor camera work. (Always a problem with musicals on film.) I expected far more from this cast. Despite the most welcome presence of Elaine Paige and John Mills, there are some truly disappointing performances.The intentional omission of some pieces was a deplorable decision. (As was re-working the score.)Having seen other staging and casts I am shocked at this presentation by Andrew Lloyd Webber.