Theatre history was made on Sunday evening at Artscape when the audience leapt to its feet mid-performance, erupting into a thunderous standing ovation during Cindy-Ann Abrahams’ breathtaking rendition of Memory. It was a moment of rare, collective awe — one that instantly confirmed the triumphant return of CATS to South African stages.
Cape TALK’s Pippa Hudson summed it up without hesitation:
“Staggeringly GOOD! BRILLIANT! I’ve never seen an audience give a standing ovation in the middle of a song like that before. Such a flipping impressive production. DO NOT MISS THIS SHOW!”
With that extraordinary reception, Pieter Toerien and GWB Entertainment, in collaboration with Cape Town Opera and by arrangement with LW Entertainment, officially announced the stellar cast and festive-season opening of one of the most iconic and beloved musicals in theatre history.
A Festive Season Spectacle Begins in Cape Town
The international smash-hit musical opens at Artscape in Cape Town on 10 December 2025, before transferring to Johannesburg’s Teatro at Montecasino on 17 January 2026. Bursting with energy, visual splendour and musical excellence, the South African season promises a spellbinding experience for audiences of all ages.
Featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated score, including the unforgettable ballad Memory, the production dazzles with breathtaking choreography, extraordinary costumes and an immersive, oversized junkyard set that brings the mysterious world of the Jellicle Cats vividly to life.
Honouring a Legendary Creative Legacy
Bringing this production to the stage are Associate Director and Choreographer Chrissie Cartwright and Musical Supervisor Peter McCarthy, who faithfully honour the creative vision of the original team — director Trevor Nunn, designer John Napier, and the late Gillian Lynne, whose iconic choreography continues to define the show’s distinctive style.
Their combined expertise ensures a production that captures both the classic heart and visual spectacle that have made CATS a worldwide phenomenon.
A Powerful South African Cast Takes Centre Stage
Audiences can look forward to an exceptional local cast led by Cindy-Ann Abrahams as Grizabella, whose performance has already earned standing ovations, alongside King B as Old Deuteronomy, Dylan Janse van Rensburg as Rum Tum Tugger, and Che-jean Jupp as Munkustrap.
The dynamic ensemble also includes:
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Stephan Van Der Walt as Admetus / Macavity
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Sibusiso Mxosana as Alonzo
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Sipesihle Ngamlana as Bill Bailey
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Tatum Coleman as Bombalurina
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Tshepo Ncokoane as Bustopher Jones / Gus
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Michael Fullard as Carbuckety
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Hannah Marshall as Cassandra
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Darren Rockman as Coricopat
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Brittane van Loggerenberg as Demeter
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Morgan Marshall as Electra
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Harry Smallman as George
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Noa Duckitt as Jellylorum
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Scarlett Pay as Jemima
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Zoe Mclaughlin as Jennyanydots
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Austin Tshikosi as Mungojerrie
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Jordan Roelfze as Quaxo / Mr Mistoffelees
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Tannah Levick as Rumpleteazer
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Logan Timbre as Skimbleshanks
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Tania Mteto as Tantomile
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Cassiel Eatock-Winnik as Victoria
With Ryan Flynn, Jackie Lulu, Marco Titus and Phoebe Charles appearing as swings, the cast brings extraordinary depth, athleticism and theatricality to the stage.
A Musical That Changed Theatre Forever
Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, CATS premiered in London’s West End in 1981 and went on to redefine musical theatre. The production ran for nearly 9,000 performances over 21 years, breaking records and setting new global standards.
Since its debut, the musical has been staged in over 54 countries, translated into 23 languages, and seen by more than 77 million people worldwide. Its enduring appeal lies in the magical fusion of music, poetry, dance and storytelling, inviting audiences into the mysterious world of the Jellicle Cats as they gather for their annual Jellicle Ball, where one cat is chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be reborn.
A Timeless Return for a New Generation
This upcoming South African season aims to thrill a new generation of theatre lovers while reigniting the nostalgia of devoted fans. Pieter Toerien, whose celebrated productions include My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, The Phantom of the Opera and the currently running 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.”
Whether you are experiencing its magic for the first time or returning to a beloved classic, CATS is poised to be the unmissable theatrical event of the season.
Booking Information
Performances begin at The Teatro at Montecasino on Saturday, 17 January 2026.
Tickets are available through Webtickets and the Theatre Box Office (011 511 1988). Early booking is strongly recommended.
For more details, behind-the-scenes content and updates, visit:
www.pietertoerien.co.za | www.gwbentertainment.com | www.andrewlloydwebber.com | www.andrewlloydwebber.com/box-five
