LAODS' Cats Review (Lincoln Arts Centre)

12 June 2025 I 19:30 I Lincoln Arts Centre

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Taking narrative inspiration from T. S. Eliot's poetry collections, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats observes an anthropomorphic tribe of Jellicle cats each competing to ascend to the Heaviside Layer. Presented by LAODS at the Lincoln Arts Centre, Webber's musical is invigorated with a 1980s nostalgia that foregrounds everything Cats is about. Ahead of this performance, I was afraid of being hyper-critical as the company tackle one of my all-time favourite soundtracks, but this radical revival is flawless, sharp and trailblazing on the Lincoln stage.

Hearing the Prologue live is an incredibly special moment, inducing waves of goosebumps as David Williams conducts a tremendous live orchestra, skilfully venturing between synth-boosted musical styles. This opening segment oversees a lighting sequence which is enthralling to watch as the stage comes to life, a sweeping junkyard overrun with unwanted debris.

The world of Cats would be incomplete without the transformative qualities of patterned lycra costumes (co-ordinated by Tim Hodson & Stacey Carr). Visually, these designs breathe a magnificence (alongside distinctive and refined makeup) into the roles, each unique and gifting confidence to the performer. We evidently see this through Dan Woodall's characterisation of Rum Tum Tugger, utilising the chains and furs to enhance his swagger, undoubtably the coolest cat on the stage with a charismatic watchability.

With a near 40-strong cast, the ensemble demonstrate immense prowess through challenging choreography, with notable sequences such as the Jellicle Ball that hold a hypnotising calibre. Many genres of movement are showcased, from tap dance to trampoline work that positively enact a vaudevillian structure.

There are many standout moments throughout, with Abigail Szulc-Neild captivating audiences with an emotionally commanding rendition of Memory, finding a delicate beauty in Grizabella's journey. The seats quake with such thunderous applause! Skimbleshanks: The Railway Cat takes the crowning number, led by Matthew Frederick's fizzing and enthusiastic feline. He provides such a cheeky allure that makes audiences desperate to join the stage. The assembly of a makeshift junkyard train is clever and entrancing!!

This evening's final scene (The Ad-dressing Of Cats) was interrupted by a fire alarm, in which all parties evacuated the auditorium. While uncertain of the circumstances, this remarkable team delivered a fully choreographed performance of this song while outside the venue, in unexpectedly one of the most memorable theatre moments of my life. Everyone's resilience to adjust and demonstrate such confidence in their material is awe-inspiring... open-air adaptation when?!

Noteworthy performances include Simon Calver's assured Munkustrap, a dependable narrator that holds a wonderfully authoritative vocal tone. Additionally, Rosie Brown and Nicola Calver dazzle as Jellylorum and Bombalurina respectively, providing a strong theatricality with genuinely jaw-dropping solos. The vocal standard exceeds expectations, truly the best I have ever heard the score!!

LAODS' Cats prove exactly what amateur theatre is about, exuding local spirit and heart. Personally, I don't like the term amateur, as it devalues the village it takes to produce something so beautiful. I could very easily see this adaptation touring the UK and delighting audiences nationwide. I am already hoping to return next week, trust it is THAT good!!