Cats the musical - Feline conquest of London Palladium

Andrew Lloyd Webber's feline cast surrounding Grizabella, Macavity and Rum Tum Tugger draws audiences into their backyard Jellicle ball at the London Palladium. With the original creative team of Lloyd Webber, Trevor Nunn and choreographer Gillian Lynne in charge, Cats the musical returned after 12 years absence to London stages.  Based on T S Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats, the performance and its tunes have become classics in the musical world since the world premier in 1981. The cats subsequently conquered the world with translations of the text into numerous languages. Now, the felines caterwaul once again their way into hearts of London audiences with dazzling dance scenes and immaculate songs. And yes, a shoe is flung at them too.

Cats the musical received a slight update that particularly focuses on naughty boy Rum Tum Tugger. In keeping with our early 21st century music styles, the Tugger has become a rapper boy standing out from the rest of the cast in his cartoonesque performance. Antoine Murray-Straughan gives a wonderfully cheeky performance of the Tugger in his West End debut. Purists may object to the change, yet Cats is neither outdated, nor does this rendition of Rum Tum Tugger distract from the feel good factor of the performance. Other iconic characters such as Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer stun through breathtaking feats while other felines dart across stage, climb the sides of the theatre or prowl through the auditorium. The Magical Mr Mistoffelees, of course, requires a particularly surprising entrance. The Magical Cat, garbed in glittering outfit and flashing lights, is lowered from the top of the flying tower onto stage spinning around a rope.

The speed of performance and constant twists in either narrative or location keep the audiences on the ball of yarn. Tap dance alternates with a dog fight, and iconic tunes resound through the theatre.  Best known of these is Memory performed by  Sophia Ragavelas which was sung by the leaving audience. There is no better compliment to the creative team and artists. Seats are still available for the final performances. Cats is a family performance and wonderful Easter treat for everyone.

Dancing Topiaries - Edward Scissorhands' return to UK stages

Matthew Bourne's Edward Scissorhands made its return to UK stages. The performance, originally created in 2005, follows the main plot of Tim Burton's film. With some scenes revised and the ending still offering audiences snowfall in the auditorium, Bourne offers a feel good performance for the entire family. In its setting American setting Bourne offers audiences a 1950s feel of the Rock'n'Roll area with stunning group choreographies. The performance includes wonderful dream-like scenes such as the cheerleader posters coming alive in Edward's dream and a dancing topiary to have audiences hold their breath. At large, this work of Bourne's rather remains with pedestrian movement and gestural scenes.  Especially, Edward's movement material is constraint by his scissor hands. Yet, the constant fiddling with blades and the metallic sound these created in the original film translates well onto stage where the prop similarly resounds over the music to highlight Edward's emotions and agitation. New Adventures again manages to rapture audiences with this treat that has gone on to tour the UK and bring a spell of magic to the country.