Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, with Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, today announce that in Summer 2026 a brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation, CATS, will leap into the magical outdoor setting of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie.
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 run at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre from 25 July – 12 September 2026 [with a press night on 6 August 2026].
It will then embark on a major UK tour through to July 2027, opening in Plymouth before visiting Hull, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Llandudno and Glasgow with further venues to be announced.
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.
Andrew Lloyd Webber said:
“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."
Drew McOnie said:
“As for many dancers in the industry, CATS was a transformative experience for me and as a former cast member it's thrilling to be directing and choreographing this brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's iconic musical. 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. With the production heading out on tour, we are delighted that it will reach audiences across the country after its London run, continuing our commitment to working with partners – in this case the brilliant Michael Harrison – to ensure our work is seen by as many as possible beyond our home in Regent’s Park.”
Michael Harrison said:
“I am delighted that we will be presenting a brand new production of CATS next summer. 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 and his team at Regent's Park, and we look forward to the Jellicle Moon shining brightly on this thrilling new production in the splendour of the Open Air Theatre and at major theatres across the country as part of the new U.K. tour.”
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