Podcast Summary: “CATS is coming back... outside?! | Thoughts on the revival of Cats at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre”

Podcast: MickeyJoTheatre
Host: MickeyJo
Date: October 18, 2025

Overview

In this episode, theatre critic and self-described "Cats apologist" MickeyJo excitedly dissects the announcement of a brand-new professional production of Cats coming to London in summer 2026, staged uniquely outdoors at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre and helmed by dance-theatre luminary Drew McOnie. MickeyJo shares insights from the press release, industry context, speculation, and personal reflections, all in his signature enthusiastic, conversational tone.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why This News is a Big Deal

• Cats is moving outdoors for summer 2026 at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, a first for a major UK production.
• Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, now the venue’s new Artistic Director.
• The production is planned to tour the UK following its open-air run.
• Sparked MickeyJo’s delight:

  "Up until yesterday, outdoor cats just meant a type of feline pet... But now it is my latest fascination, my most important plan for summer 2026, and my, my new personality. Oh my god. Meow." (03:00–03:18)

2. Partnership and Production Context

• Co-produced by Regent's Park Open Air Theatre and Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals—a collaboration responsible for other Lloyd Webber revivals (e.g., Sunset Boulevard, Evita).
• Recent pattern: successful revivals from Regent's Park often embark on UK tours.
• This production is "telegraphing" its commercial ambition early.

  "This is going to be successful and we are telegraphing that from the start. This is going to sell well in London and then regionally." (05:24–05:36)

3. First-Look Artwork and Production Aesthetic

• The teaser image features distinctly human faces and eyes with a more ‘tribal’/drag, artistic twist.
• Raises the question if this adaptation will feature more "human" Cats (less feline, more abstract/bohemian?).
• Notes trend away from the “junkyard” staging and toward new creative settings.
• Cites the influence of Cats: The Jellicle Ball in New York, which uses drag/ballroom culture rather than cat costumes.

“Is this going to be Cats, where the cats look more like people and we're just saying Cats? … It's intriguing that sort of thrice over there we are conveying the sense of human dancers and not cat ones.” (07:36–08:04)

4. Drew McOnie’s Vision and Potential

• McOnie’s appointment as Artistic Director (and his personal history as a former cast member in Cats) is thrilling to MickeyJo:

  “The concept of him choreographing a version of Cats, and a Drew McOnie Jellicle Ball, is one of the most exciting things that I could conceive of.” (09:24–09:36)

• McOnie’s previous acclaimed work at Regent’s Park (Jesus Christ Superstar, Brigadoon) bode well for Cats’ choreographic reimagining.

"If you were to ask me which choreographers in the world I would like to take on Cats... I would have told you, Drew McOnie." (09:22–09:27)

5. Recent Trends in Cats Productions

• Recent US and UK productions have wildly reinterpreted Cats for new audiences (circus-themed, cowboys, abandoned theme park, etc.).
• MickeyJo speculates this creativity is due to recently loosened (or redirected) licensing, perhaps even prohibiting traditional “junkyard” settings.

  “There have been a whole bunch of wildly different productions of Cats, most of which have been high concept... There was circus cats... cowboy cats... a production of Cats where the set was an abandoned theme park..." (12:36–14:04)

6. What Might Make this Open-Air Cats Special

• Opportunities: natural moonlight aligning with the show’s “Jellicle moon”, actual locations aligning with London-specific references in the lyrics.
• Open-air setting could connect more organically to the story’s mystical elements:

  “I have to figure out how to be at Full Moon Cats, like, whenever that is going to be... that's exciting to me. That's the kind of person that I am.” (17:37–17:50)

• Speculates on costume and set design: maybe not fully feline, possibly bohemian or humanized, tailoring to outdoor practicalities.

7. Casting Speculation

• With McOnie’s dance-forward approach, might Grizabella be both a formidable dancer and singer?
• Considers tradition (Betty Buckley, Elaine Paige) vs. possible fresh choices (Bonnie Langford, other past cast members).

  "Ridiculous to talk about casting authenticity when we're talking about Cats and casting humans to play cats, but my favorite Grizabellas will always be Elaine Page, Betty Buckley..." (25:35–25:47)

8. Awards Implications and Theatre Gossip

• The run positions Cats to be a central event for the 2027 Olivier Awards season; won’t clash directly with the current Evita revival.
• Hints at more Lloyd Webber projects potentially in the awards mix.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On being a Cats apologist:

  “I will defend the musical until the day that I ascend to the Heaviside Lair. Not Cats, the movie. I didn't say that. Don't put words in my whiskers.” (02:24–02:32)

• On Cats' narrative simplicity:

  “You may be laughing when I say Cats and clarity of narrative, but I've always understood what it is that they're getting at... If you can understand Six, if you can understand Ride the Cyclone, hell, if you can understand A Chorus Line, you can understand Cats.” (13:07–13:42)

• On design possibilities:

  “I dare say... the choreography is going to be the real focus of this production and for that I cannot wait.” (24:16–24:21)

• On casting Grizabella:

  “I prefer a Grizabella whose life experience really emerges through it... my favorite Grizabellas will always be Elaine Paige, Betty Buckley, and I think a Bonnie Langford Grizabella…” (25:41–25:47)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 03:00 – Announcement excitement, outdoor Cats explained
• 06:21 – Breakdown of the production partnership and tour context
• 07:36 – First-look teaser image and possible humanized approach
• 09:22 – The Drew McOnie effect and creative speculation
• 12:36 – Recent “high-concept” Cats adaptations and licensing changes
• 17:06 – The poetic synergy of outdoor staging and the “Jellicle Moon”
• 24:10 – Potential set, costume, and choreographic directions
• 25:19 – Casting predictions, especially for Grizabella
• 26:33 – Awards season speculation and excitement

Overall Tone and Listenability

MickeyJo brings a passionate, witty, and deeply knowledgeable tone throughout, blending theatre geekery, gentle self-mockery, and insightful commentary on trends in musical theatre production. His playful references, invitations for listener feedback, and enthusiastic optimism for the new Cats make this an engaging listen for fans and newcomers alike.

Final Takeaway

The revival of Cats at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre promises a fresh, potentially genre-defying take on an iconic show, guided by a visionary creative team and staged in a setting that could transform its impact for a new generation of audiences. Expect bold choreography, a distinctive look, and the theatrical event of the 2026 season—complete with a moonlit Jellicle Ball.