NEWS -BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S CATS TO OPEN AT REGENT’S PARK OPEN AIR THEATRE BEFORE TOURING THE UK IN 2026

A fresh take on the iconic musical CATS heads to Manchester Palace Theatre in November 2026

A major theatrical event is pouncing onto the stage! Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals have announced a brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS, directed and choreographed by the award-winning Drew McOnie. The reimagined version of the beloved musical will premiere at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in summer 2026 before embarking on a UK tour, including a stop at the Manchester Palace Theatre from 10–21 November 2026.

CATS at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre: A fresh vision for 2026

Running from 25 July – 12 September 2026, CATS will be staged in the magical outdoor setting of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre the perfect backdrop for this timeless musical. Based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot and featuring Andrew Lloyd Webber’s unforgettable score, the production promises to be one of the most exciting theatre events of 2026.

This marks Drew McOnie’s second season as Artistic Director of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre. The production follows the venue’s acclaimed revivals of Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, cementing the theatre’s growing reputation for dynamic reinterpretations of classic musicals.

CATS UK Tour 2026 Dates Announced

Following its London run, the CATS UK Tour 2026 will visit major theatres across the country, including:

• Theatre Royal Plymouth: 6–17 October 2026

• Hull New Theatre: 20–24 October 2026

• Birmingham Hippodrome: 27 October – 7 November 2026

• Palace Theatre Manchester: 10–21 November 2026

• Bristol Hippodrome: 24–28 November 2026

• Venue Cymru Llandudno: 1–5 December 2026

• Theatre Royal Glasgow: 8–27 December 2026

  
  

Further casting and creative team details will be announced in due course.

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary musical returns

Since premiering in London’s West End in 1981, CATS has become one of the longest-running shows in theatre history. Its global success includes over 77 million audience members across 54 countries and translations into 23 languages. With iconic songs like Memory, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, and The Jellicle Ball, this new production promises to capture the magic of the original while bringing it to life for a new generation.

A word from the creative team

Drew McOnie shared his excitement, saying:

“As a former cast member, it’s thrilling to be directing and choreographing this brand-new production of CATS. 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.”

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.”

Producer Michael Harrison said:

“We look forward to the Jellicle Moon shining brightly on this thrilling new production in the splendour of the Open Air Theatre and major theatres across the country.”

Don’t miss CATS at Manchester Palace Theatre

With its breathtaking choreography, unforgettable score, and magical storytelling, CATS is set to be one of the most anticipated theatre events of 2026. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the Jellicle world for the first time, this brand-new production promises an unmissable night of musical magic.

Tickets and on-sale dates will be announced soon stay tuned for updates!