With timeless music, spectacular sets and breathtaking choreography, CATS is a magical musical that is “simply purrfect” (Daily Mirror). But what would this classic be without the wigs, costumes and make-up that transform the cast into their cat-like selves?
We asked some of the cast to give us a behind-the-scenes look at how these elements bring their characters to life.
Jake O’Brien as Mungojerrie
How would you describe your character in three words?
Mischievous, energised and cheeky.
Savannah Lind and Jake O'Brien in CATS
Image: Daniel Boud
What part of your costume is the most distinctive?
Mungojerrie has a very distinct colour palette: a black coat with bright orange and red markings. The wig is also one of the only ones with pink through it, like Rumpleteazer’s!
CATS costume painting and style reference - Mungojerrie
Image: John Napier Stages
How long does it take to put on your make-up and take it off?
We usually give at least an hour for the make-up to be done. Taking it off depends how thorough you are, but with some coconut oil and a hot towel it can take as little as five minutes.
What has the experience been like being in this iconic production?
Cats is iconic! I love being part of this show because it brings back such nostalgia from watching the VHS. Seeing everyone dressed as a cat backstage before every show is such a once-in-a-lifetime situation. It’s bizarre and I love it - but it’s damn hard though!
Savannah Lind as Rumpleteazer
How would you describe your character in three words?
Naughty, effervescent and impressionable.
What part of your costume is the most distinctive?
Rumpleteazer’s orange stripes are the most distinctive part of her costume, along with her recently stolen Woolworths pearls during her number. It makes her very hard to miss!
CATS costume painting and style reference - Mungojerrie
Image: John Napier Stages
How long does it take to put on your make-up and take it off?
It takes me about 45 minutes to put the make-up on, which is a massive improvement on the hour and a half it used to take me. It only takes about five minutes to wash off completely.
What has the experience been like being in this iconic production?
It has been a complete dream come true! There’s a real sense of the legacy we’re part of, on and off the stage, which makes the whole experience incredibly special. I feel very honoured to add my interpretation of Rumpleteazer to the list of amazing performers who have played her before.
Gabriyél Thomas as Grizabella
How would you describe your character in three words?
Proud, hurt and indomitable.
Gabriyel Thomas in CATS
Image: Daniel Boud
What part of your costume is the most distinctive?
That’s really hard because she has such an iconic look, but I would say the most distinctive part is the wig. Everyone else onstage has a cat-like wig, but Grizabella’s wig is more human-like with cat ears.
CATS costume painting and style reference - Grizabella
Image: John Napier Stages
How long does it take to put on your make-up and take it off?
I’ve got my make-up routine down to about 50 minutes. I could probably do it faster, but I like to take my time and really enjoy the process of becoming Grizabella. Taking it off, however, is a different story. The goal is to get it off as fast as possible!
What has the experience been like being in this iconic production?
It’s been a dream come true! I feel so lucky and grateful to be part of this iconic legacy.
Claudia Hastings as Victoria
How would you describe your character in three words?
Sweet, curious and romantic.
Claudia Hastings in CATS
Image: Daniel Boud
What part of your costume is the most distinctive?
The most distinctive part of my costume is that it’s all white - it’s the only costume that’s entirely one colour! Plus the iconic white make-up and wig to complement it.
CATS costume painting and style reference - Victoria
How long does it take to put on your make-up and take it off?
Make-up now takes me 35 minutes to put on and about five minutes to take off. I’ve worked it down to be as quick as I can!
What has the experience been like being in this iconic production?
The experience has been amazing. This show is massive, both physically and vocally, and it has challenged me in so many ways. But the feeling of completing the show each night is incredible. The choreography is so iconic and feels amazing to perform, even though it’s so hard! Being Victoria is just a dream come true — she’s everything I could hope for in a character, and I feel so lucky to dance in her shoes every night.
Let the ‘Memory’ live on!
Pounce on tickets for this special 40th Anniversary tour.