CATS Cape Town is set to be the biggest theatrical event of the festive season, as Pieter Toerien and GWB Entertainment, in association with LW Entertainment, bring the legendary musical back to South Africa. The international smash-hit will open at Artscape on 10 December 2025 before moving to Johannesburg’s Teatro at Montecasino on 17 January 2026.
A legendary musical with world-class performances
The return of CATS Cape Town promises dazzling choreography, breathtaking costumes and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated score, including the timeless ballad Memory. This new South African season features a stellar local cast and a spectacular oversized junkyard set that has captivated audiences around the world.
Associate director and choreographer Chrissie Cartwright and musical supervisor Peter McCarthy lead the creative team, honouring the original vision of director Trevor Nunn, designer John Napier and the late Gillian Lynne, whose iconic choreography shaped the distinctive style of CATS.
Meet the South African cast
Audiences can look forward to standout performances from an exceptional local cast, including:
- Cindy Ann Abrahams as Grizabella
- King B as Old Deuteronomy
- Dylan Janse van Rensburg as Rum Tum Tugger
- Che-jean Jupp as Munkustrap
They are joined by a dynamic ensemble featuring Stephan Van Der Walt, Sibusiso Mxosana, Sipesihle Ngamlana, Tatum Coleman, Tshepo Ncokoane, Michael Fullard, Hannah Marshall, Darren Rockman, Brittane van Loggerenberg, Morgan Marshall, Harry Smallman, Noa Duckitt, Scarlett Pay, Zoe Mclaughlin, Austin Tshikosi, Jordan Roelfze, Tannah Levick, Logan Timbre, Tania Mteto and Cassiel Eatock-Winnik, with Ryan Flynn, Jackie Lulu, Marco Titus and Phoebe Charles as swings.
Watch the cast introduction here: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/6e3lX5Tl1po
Why CATS Cape Town is a global phenomenon
Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, CATS premiered in London’s West End in 1981 and ran for nearly 21 years, transforming musical theatre. The show has since been staged in more than 54 countries, translated into 23 languages and seen by more than 77 million people.
CATS invites audiences into the imaginative world of the Jellicle Cats, who gather for the annual Jellicle Ball. It is here that one cat will be chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn. The show’s powerful mix of dance, poetry, music and storytelling is what has cemented it as one of the world’s most beloved musicals.
A theatrical event for a new generation
Pieter Toerien, whose previous productions include The Phantom of the Opera, My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, says:
“We are delighted to bring CATS back to South Africa. It remains one of the most exciting and emotionally rich musicals ever written — a timeless spectacle that continues to inspire audiences across generations.”
CATS Cape Town will delight returning fans while introducing a whole new generation to the magic of this unforgettable musical.
Performance dates and ticket information
- Artscape, Cape Town: from 10 December 2025
- Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg: from 17 January 2026
Tickets are available through Webtickets and the Artscape Box Office at 021 421 7695. Early booking is strongly recommended.
For more information and updates, visit:
www.pietertoerien.co.za | www.gwbentertainment.com | www.andrewlloydwebber.com | www.andrewlloydwebber.com/box-five
Watch the official CATS teaser trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llZoDeEwK1w
