A brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation CATS, will leap into Plymouth’s Theatre Royal next autumn kicking off a UK-wide tour.

The production, by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, with Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, will run at the theatre from October 6 to 17 in 2026.

CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history.

From Euston station to Victoria Grove, the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one. And each of them asks, because each of them dares, who will it be?

With a legendary score featuring Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, The Jellicle Ball and the chart-topping hit Memory, this brand-new production, directed and choreographed by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Artistic Director Drew McOnie, is sure to be one of the theatrical events of 2026.

‘I can't wait to share this much-loved piece with a new generation of audiences.’ said Drew

‘As for many dancers in the industry, CATS was a transformative experience for me and as a former cast member it's thrilling to be directing and choreographing this brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical.’

CATS originally premiered at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances. The ground-breaking production was the winner of the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. In 1983, the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony awards including Best Musical. It ran for 18 years.

Since its world premiere, the musical has been presented in over 54 countries, has been translated into 23 languages and has been seen by more than 77 million people worldwide. The Broadway cast recording won a Grammy Award for Best Cast Album. In 2026, CATS will also embark on two major international tours, and CATS: The Jellicle Ball will make its Broadway debut at the Broadhurst Theatre.

Drew McOnie continued:’ With the production heading out on tour, we are delighted that it will reach audiences across the country after its London run, continuing our commitment to working with partners – in this case the brilliant Michael Harrison – to ensure our work is seen by as many as possible beyond our home in Regent’s Park.’

Michael Harrison said: ‘Drew is an outstanding artist and it has long felt destined that he would one day reinvent this great musical. Andrew and I are excited to be working with him and his team at Regent's Park, and we look forward to the Jellicle Moon shining brightly on this thrilling new production.’

And finally Andrew Lloyd Webber added: “I am very excited to see a totally new production of CATS back on the stage where it belongs. I can think of no-one better than Drew McOnie to bring a new vision to the world of the Jellicles.”

Tickets for CATS are set to go on sale soon. For details see the venue’s website https://theatreroyal.com.