A brand new production of CATS to dazzle Manchester audiences in 2026

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical to play Manchester Palace Theatre as part of major UK tour

A bold new production of CATS is set to arrive at Manchester’s Palace Theatre in November 2026, as part of a wider UK tour following its debut at the prestigious Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London.

The show, which features music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, will run in London from 25 July to 12 September 2026 before heading to venues nationwide, including a two-week engagement in Manchester from 10 to 21 November.

The reimagined production is helmed by acclaimed director and choreographer Drew McOnie, now in his second season as Artistic Director of the Open Air Theatre. McOnie, a former cast member of CATS himself, promises a “thrilling” reinvention of the world-famous musical.

“As for many dancers in the industry, CATS was a transformative experience for me,” McOnie said. “It’s thrilling to be directing and choreographing this brand new production. I can’t wait to share this much-loved piece with a new generation of audiences.”

Producer Michael Harrison, in partnership with Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, confirmed that the Manchester leg forms part of an extended UK tour that will also stop in Plymouth, Hull, Birmingham, Bristol, Llandudno and Glasgow.

Harrison said: “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.”

The Manchester run is expected to draw large crowds, as CATS remains one of the most successful stage musicals in theatre history. Since its 1981 premiere at the New London Theatre, it has been performed in 54 countries, translated into 23 languages, and seen by more than 77 million people globally.

The upcoming production will feature the show’s iconic musical numbers including Memory, Macavity: The Mystery Cat and The Jellicle Ball. Casting details are yet to be announced.

Andrew Lloyd Webber praised the collaboration, stating: “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.”

The London production will offer a series of accessible performances, including BSL interpreted, captioned and audio described shows. Tickets start at £15.

Following its UK run, CATS will also launch two major international tours and a new Broadway production titled CATS: The Jellicle Ball, opening at the Broadhurst Theater in New York.

More information, including on-sale dates for the Manchester shows, is expected to be released in the coming months.