Drew McOnie Brings Fresh Vision to CATS at Regent’s Park
A Daring Reimagining Comes to North London’s Beloved Venue
Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, nestled in one of our most cherished green spaces, has taken on an ambitious challenge this season: reinventing Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS with fresh creative direction from artistic director Drew McOnie. For those who’ve strolled past the venue on summer evenings or caught performances under the stars, this production represents a significant moment for the North London institution—one that asks whether this iconic musical can speak to new generations while respecting those who loved the original.
The venue itself matters deeply to our community. Regent’s Park’s open-air theatre has been a cultural cornerstone for decades, offering accessible outdoor entertainment that draws families, theatre enthusiasts, and casual visitors alike. Unlike venues clustered around the West End or near Whitehall London’s government district, this theatre sits embedded in nature, creating a uniquely intimate experience. McOnie’s decision to reimagine CATS here—rather than simply restaging the familiar version—signals confidence in both the material and the audience’s willingness to embrace something different.
The Cast Steps Up: Understudy Triumphs and Character Moments
Opening night brought unexpected drama when Rachael Wooding, scheduled to play the pivotal Grizabella role, fell ill. Her understudy, Taziva-Faye Katsande—ordinarily cast as minor character Tantomile—stepped into the spotlight for CATS’s showstopping “Memory” number. For local theatre workers and performers in our community, this moment underscores both the pressures and resilience required in live performance.
Katsande delivered admirably under extraordinary circumstances, earning a standing ovation that felt as much about her courage as her vocal delivery. Alongside her, the ensemble brought distinct personalities to their feline roles: Gary Wilmot’s nostalgic turn as Gus the Theatre Cat, Jaydon Vijn’s cheeky Rum Tum Tugger, and the chemistry between Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer performers added layers of entertainment. For North London residents and theatre regulars, these performances matter because they represent local talent and visiting professionals enriching our neighbourhood’s cultural fabric. The cast’s ability to convey character through movement and voice shapes whether audiences leave recommending the show to friends and family.
What Audiences Should Know: Choreography, Setting, and Next Steps
McOnie’s ballet-influenced choreography distinguishes this CATS fundamentally from Gillian Lynne’s famous original. The production balances deliberate character work with athletic movement—sometimes with mixed results, as some ensemble moments felt under-rehearsed. However, the venue’s woodland setting and Sami Fendall’s industrial-inspired set design (featuring a striking skeletal circle) shine increasingly as darkness falls, creating atmospheric magic that only outdoor theatre can deliver.
Local residents considering a visit should know: this isn’t nostalgia-focused theatre. It’s a contemporary reinterpretation asking new questions about familiar material. The show runs through the summer season, making it an accessible cultural outing compared to indoor London venues near Big Ben or major London museum exhibitions requiring advance booking. For families in Regent’s Park, St John’s Wood, and surrounding neighbourhoods, this represents quality entertainment on your doorstep. Community theatre groups and drama students should monitor the venue’s artistic direction—McOnie’s willingness to take creative risks offers valuable lessons about theatrical courage and innovation worth watching as the run continues.
