Cats 2019

In the shadowy alleys of London, a young feline named Victoria (Francesca Hayward) finds herself suddenly alone, abandoned by her owner in the dead of night. The Jellicles, a community of alley cats, take pity on her and introduce themselves as a tribe of misfits, led by the enigmatic Mr. Mistoffelees (Laurie Davidson), who can’t help but be smitten with Victoria’s charms, and Munkustrap (Robbie Fairchild), his loyal confidant. Two regal queens, Cassandra (Mette Towley) and Demeter (Daniela Norman), also take Victoria under their wing, educating her on the mystical world of the Jellicles as they prepare for their annual Jellicle Ball, a revered ceremony where cats vie for the chance to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and be granted a new life. As the night wears on, a cast of colorful characters emerges: Jennyanydots, a diligent domestic tabby who boosts the productivity of mice and roaches; the charismatic Rum Tum Tugger (Jason Derulo), whose flirtatious nature sets the stage ablaze; Bustopher Jones (James Corden), a self-important feline with a penchant for sharing his gastronomic spoils from the garbage; Skimbleshanks, a fastidious ginger cat who taps along the railway in perfect time; Gus (Ian McKellen), an aged theatre cat whose storied past is filled with iconic roles; and Macavity (Idris Elba), a cunning stray with the ability to Apparate, who seizes control of the competition by kidnapping most of the contestants - save for the Tugger. As Victoria becomes increasingly drawn into the Jellicles’ world, she also befriends the mischievous twins Mungojerrie (Danny Collins) and Rumpleteazer (Naoimh Morgan), who delight in causing chaos and mayhem within their human family’s domain. Entranced by their antics, Victoria joins in on the fun, but soon finds herself entangled in a tangle of necklaces when the family dog becomes alerted to their presence. Happily, Mr. Mistoffelees intervenes, distracting the canine and whisking Victoria away to safety just as the Jellicle Ball commences within the abandoned Egyptian Theatre. As Victoria takes her place among the Jellicles, she’s struck by the arrival of Old Deuteronomy (Judi Dench), the tribe’s wise and revered matriarch, who possesses a deep understanding of their mystical traditions. As the night wears on, Victoria dances a poignant ballet solo beneath the moonlight, but her reverie is disrupted by Cassandra’s cruel taunting of Grizabella (Jennifer Hudson), a former Jellicle who was once banished for her past allegiance with Macavity. Victoria finds herself drawn to Grizabella’s sorrowful plight, and as the elder cat slinks away into the night, Old Deuteronomy appears, offering words of comfort and guidance: Victoria too can become a true Jellicle in time, if she’s willing to embrace their mystical ways.

As the revelry reaches its climax, the enigmatic Bombalurina (Taylor Swift) bursts onto the scene with a mesmerizing performance, a cunningly crafted distraction designed to enthrall and incapacitate the gathering with catnip. Her sudden appearance sets the stage for Macavity’s dramatic entrance, as he demands to be recognized as the Jellicle Choice, his ambition fueled by a desire for dominance. However, Old Deuteronomy remains unimpressed, deeming Macavity unworthy of the revered title and subsequently kidnapping him along with his other victims.

In the aftermath of this turmoil, the Jellicles are left to mourn the disappearance of their beloved leader, Victoria’s suggestions sparking a desperate attempt by Mr. Mistoffelees (via a series of magic tricks) to conjure Old Deuteronomy back into being. After several failed attempts, the cats’ patriarch finally reappears, his return marked by joyous celebrations and heartfelt praise for Mr. Mistoffelees.

Meanwhile, Jennyanydots (Rebel Wilson), through a transformative costume change, frees herself and her fellow captives from Macavity’s grasp, ultimately forcing the villain to make a hasty retreat, leaving behind only his hapless lackey to face the wrath of the liberated cats.

As the Jellicles come together once more, Grizabella returns to the Egyptian, her presence marked by an aura of longing and regret. Victoria’s compassionate nature compels her to intervene, urging Grizabella to express her deepest emotions through song. With a poignant ballad, Grizabella shares her tale of past glory and present sorrow, her words resonating deeply with the hearts of the Jellicles.

Moved by Grizabella’s performance, Old Deuteronomy names her the Jellicle Choice, sending her off to the Heaviside Layer in a majestic chandelier, its magic repaired by Mr. Mistoffelees’ artistry to resemble a floating hot air balloon. In a final, desperate attempt to reach the mystical realm, Macavity leaps onto a rope suspended from the chandelier, only to fall short, landing awkwardly on Nelson’s Column.

As the Jellicles reunite with their kidnapped friends and perch upon a lion statue, they bear witness to Grizabella’s ascension into the Heaviside Layer, her departure marked by the rising sun. With the congregation dispersed, Old Deuteronomy welcomes Victoria into the fold of the tribe, marking the beginning of a new era for the Jellicles.