Cats at Manchester’s Palace Theatre

I’d never seen Cats before. There, I’ve admitted it.

I knew the music, of course. But knowing a few songs and sitting in Manchester’s Palace Theatre watching this company bring them to life are two very different things.

Before press night, I’d spoken to Kalisha Amaris, who plays Old Deuteronomy. Her enthusiasm was infectious, but it was the way she talked about what this role meant to her that stayed with me.

Kalisha told me that, as far as she knows, she is the first Trinidadian-American to play Old Deuteronomy in a UK touring production.

She spoke about representation, about the performers who had inspired her, and about someone watching her on stage and perhaps thinking that a career in the arts could be possible for them too.

Then I went along to see her. And what a stunning performance.

A matriarch with real presence

Kalisha described her Old Deuteronomy as a “matriarch”, approaching the character with care, thoughtfulness and a sense of regality. Watching her, that made perfect sense. There’s a warmth and authority to her performance that draws you in.

Having spoken to her beforehand made it all the more special. You hear someone explain how much a part matters to them, then see them step on stage and make it their own.

But Kalisha was also keen to make one thing clear in our interview: this is an ensemble show. “No one person is bigger than the other,” she said. She described her fellow performers as “literal athletes on stage”. Having now watched them, I can see exactly what she meant.

The movement, the energy and the sheer physical commitment are extraordinary. There is so much to take in, and the stunning set gives this world of feline characters a wonderful home.

And here’s what struck me as a newcomer: you might not remember every cat’s name, but you’ll recognise their characters. Their little faults, their emotions, their lovable qualities. Whether you’re a cat person or not, there’s plenty here to connect with.

A Memory that stays with you

Then there was Rachael Wooding as Grizabella.

Her performance of Memory made my hair stand on end. There’s no more complicated way of putting it. It was stunning.

For all the movement and spectacle, the emotional moments land just as powerfully. The audience seemed mesmerised, and there were tears too. Mine wasn’t an evening spent simply ticking off a famous song I’d finally heard live. This was a performance that made me feel something.

The magic beneath the stage

One conversation afterwards particularly stayed with me.

A family I spoke to had never seen an orchestra in a pit before. They were fascinated.

If you go to the theatre regularly, it’s easy to forget that something so familiar can be a complete discovery for someone else. Alongside everything happening on stage, there were musicians below it creating that beautiful sound, live, in the same room.

It brought me back to my conversation with Kalisha. Seeing yourself represented on stage and discovering a live orchestra are different experiences, but both can open a door. Both can make the theatre feel like somewhere you want to return to.

That family had found something new. So had I.

I went into Cats knowing the songs better than the show. I came out having been moved by Rachael Wooding, captivated by Kalisha Amaris and thoroughly entertained by a company giving it everything.

A wonderful evening, and an easy five stars.

• Cats is live at the Palace Theatre Manchester until Saturday 21st November
• Tickets from ATG Tickets