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19th December 2019
06:59am GMT

In some ways, Cats works better as a movie than it does as a stage show. Set against Hooper's varying London backdrops, the central narrative is clearer. (Clearer, but just as mad.) It follows the Jellicle street cats on the night before their annual ball. One among them will be selected by Old Deuteronomy to be reborn into a new life of comfort and happiness, so as the night progresses, the varying characters audition to be the chosen one.
In the central role of Victoria, Francesca Hayward is a shining star. As well as being a prima ballerina – who gives a dance display that's both soft and powerful, with a feline sleekness thrown in – the expressions on her oh-so-pretty face are enough to keep you engaged.
Ian McKellen also puts in a superb performance as Gus, the old luvvy of a theatre cat, while Laurie Davidson and Robbie Fairchild are solid in support. Judi Dench just about styles her lack of singing voice out by virtue of being, well, Judi Dench.
Less good are Rebel Wilson and James Corden, whose 'comic' turns centre around provocation and fat jokes respectively. Not only is that something we've seen too many times from both actors, but almost all of their jokes have been included in the trailer. Yawn.
Downright awful is Taylor Swift. It's not a secret that she's not the best of dancers, but despite only having one song and no speaking lines, still manages to give us an awful English accent. Think Britney when she goes all Eliza Doolittle every now and again.
Tay Tay is comprehensively out diva-ed by Jennifer Hudson, who dutifully belts out a tearful version of Memories. A moving rendition of a beautiful song for sure – but, again, the whole thing was in the trailer.
The biggest problem with Cats is that it's not The Greatest Showman, or even Hooper's previous hit Les Mis. Memories aside, the songs and the storyline are quirky but not catchy or meaningful enough to captivate a new, young audience. There's no This is Me moments here.
I don't know how much of a recommendation it really is to say that Cats was not as bad as I expected it to be, but like that dreaded night out I enjoyed it despite myself. You could do worse than giving it a look on a cabin-feverish day over the Christmas break. Just don't watch the trailer first.Explore more on these topics:
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