Three acclaimed musical theatre performers have been announced as the stars who will share the iconic role of Grizabella in the upcoming UK and Ireland tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS.
Louise Dearman, Alice Fearn and Rachael Wooding will each take turns playing the character made famous by the showstopping ballad Memory when the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production begins its nationwide journey next year.
Presented by Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, the production follows a record-breaking summer season in London and will open at Theatre Royal Plymouth on 6 October 2026.
Directed and choreographed by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Artistic Director Drew McOnie, the production reimagines the beloved musical for a new generation while retaining Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated score.
Dearman, who made theatre history by playing both Glinda and Elphaba in Wicked, said: “Memory is one of the most famous songs in musical theatre history, so to perform it every night is incredible. Plus, the long list of women who have played ‘Grizabella’ is pretty iconic in itself!”
Fearn added: “Grizabella’ is one of those roles I had on my ‘dream’ list. The chance to be a part of this huge CATS legacy and get the opportunity to sing one of the most iconic scores ever written is something I will cherish forever.”
Wooding, who recently played Grizabella in the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production, said: “It feels like a full circle moment for me. CATS was my first musical out of drama school and getting to be part of the Jellicle tribe again, this time as ‘Grizabella’, both at Regent’s Park and now on tour, feels really special.”
Based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, CATS follows the Jellicle cats as they gather beneath the moon to discover who will be chosen for a new life. The musical features some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most recognisable songs, including Memory, Jellicle Ball and Macavity: The Mystery Cat.
Since its premiere in London in 1981, CATS has become one of the most successful musicals of all time, playing in more than 50 countries, being translated into 23 languages and entertaining more than 77 million people worldwide.
The creative team includes set, costume and wigs designer Sami Fendall, lighting designer Jessica Hung Han Yun, sound designer Adam Fisher, makeup designer Guy Common, intimacy director Ingrid Mackinnon, fight director Kev McCurdy, casting director Will Burton and musical supervisor Alex Parker.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
