Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, in collaboration with Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, has announced a brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS, set to run from 25 July to 12 September 2026.
Directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, this fresh staging of the global musical phenomenon will premiere in the magical outdoor setting of Regent’s Park before embarking on a major UK tour through July 2027.
With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, CATS features iconic songs including Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, The Jellicle Ball, and the chart-topping hit Memory.
Drew McOnie said: “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. I can’t wait to share this much-loved piece with a new generation of audiences both in the stunning outdoor setting of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and in theatres across the UK. 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.”
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.”
Michael Harrison commented: “I am delighted that we will be presenting a brand new production of CATS next summer. 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 in the splendour of the Open Air Theatre and at major theatres across the country as part of the new UK tour.”
This marks the third Andrew Lloyd Webber musical produced at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in the past decade, following Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
