Manchester Theatre News & Reviews
In Convseration with LUCIE-MAE SUMNER discussing CATS at the Palace Theatre
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE
We chatted to Lucie-Mae Sumner about her role in the musical CATS at the Palace Theatre in Manchester running until Saturday 1st November 2026. Karen Ryder asks the questions.
With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot, this production of CATS will be one not to miss!
CATS is produced by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre with Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals as part of Drew McOnie’s second season as Artistic Director. It marks the third Andrew Lloyd Webber title produced by the venue in the last 10 years following the Olivier-Award winning revival of Jesus Christ Superstar (choreographed by McOnie) in 2016, 2017 and 2020, and Evita in 2019.
Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals’ recent productions include the acclaimed, hit production of Evita at The London Palladium, the Olivier-Award and Tony-Award winning revival of SUNSET BLVD., and Starlight Express, which has just extended for the sixth time at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
‘Another day is dawning.’
From Euston station to Victoria Grove, the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one. And each of them asks, because each of them dares, who will it be?
With a legendary score featuring Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, The Jellicle Ball and the chart-topping hit Memory, this brand-new production of CATS, directed and choreographed by Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre Artistic Director Drew McOnie (Brigadoon, Jesus Christ Superstar), is sure to be one of the theatrical events of 2026. Casting and full creative team to be announced.
CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history. The show originally premiered at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances. The ground-breaking production was the winner of the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. In 1983, the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony awards including Best Musical. It ran for 18 years.
Since its world premiere, CATS has been presented in over 54 countries, has been translated into 23 languages and has been seen by more than 77 million people worldwide. The Broadway cast recording won a Grammy Award for Best Cast Album. In 2026, CATS will also embark on 2 major international tours, and CATS: The Jellicle Ball will make its Broadway debut at the Broadhurst Theater.
CATS is currently on in Manchester at the Palace Theatre unti Saturday 21st November 2026.
