Hannah Joseph on making her musical theatre debut in 'Cats'

This extraordinary young dancer has tackled multiple dance styles — but now she turns her talents to musical theatre in Cats at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre.

Summary

• Hannah Joseph is making her musical theatre debut in Cats
• The production is being directed by Drew McOnie at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
• Joseph has choreographed for the Royal Ballet; English National Ballet and Ballet Jersey

Hannah Joseph has a list of credits that any dancer would be proud of. The fact that she has had all of those experiences at the age of 24 is a testament to the sheer talent, hard work, and discipline that she has brought to her craft since she first put on pointe shoes. She is now playing Victoria in Drew McOnie’s new production of Cats at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, adding another string to her impressive bow.

How are you enjoying rehearsals for Cats?

Cats is my first musical, and it’s nothing like what I expected. I’ve been in so many creative processes as a dancer and choreographer, but never in the creation of a musical with new choreography, new set, new design, new everything. It’s a reimagining of something that’s already existed, but with a new take, so there are so many new factors in it. I’m honestly just trying to take it all in. It’s been great.

What are you learning from your cast mates?

The whole cast are really friendly and everyone is super individual. Our director Drew McOnie has made it always fun, even in rehearsals. He’s found a way to make us all feel like a tribe, while allowing us all to shine individually. I think that’ll come across really strongly to audiences as well as within us as a cast. The space feels vibrant and energetic, and we’re only in week three but we’ve already found this really nice atmosphere. We’re all striving towards one really good show.

Tell us how you got started in dance.

I started ballet at my local dance school when I was seven because I was always dancing around the house. My mum thought, “We should just chuck her into some dance classes.” From 11, I added contemporary, then joined CAT (the Centre for Advanced Training) at Trinity Laban. I also did National Youth Dance Company, where I worked with Botis Seva and Russell Maliphant, and performed in New Adventures’ Romeo and Juliet Young Cast, which was my first experience performing a long-running work in a massive theatre.

I trained at Rambert School for three years, did BBC Young Dancer, then joined Company Wayne McGregor for two years before moving to Dickson Mbi Company. Alongside that I’ve been choreographing for ballet companies like the Royal Ballet, English National Ballet, and Ballet Jersey. Now I’m here doing Cats!

You’ve worked in so many different choreographic styles. What’s led you from one thing to the next?

I think it’s just a reflection of my personality and feels connected to who I am. I enjoy being around different groups of people, different disciplines, and different ways of expressing art because it informs me as a human, not just as a dancer or choreographer. The journey has come naturally. If you’d told me three years ago I’d be doing Cats, I would’ve had no idea how I’d get here. Everything I’ve done, the training, the people I’ve met, and the projects I’ve worked on, has given me the skills I apply in this space. It feels like it’s come at the right time in my career. I’ve done so much already, but it still feels like there’s so much more to explore.

What’s different about being in a musical?

There are actually a lot of similarities that surprised me, especially the sensitivity in the character work. The big difference is expressing character through voice as well as movement. I also love watching the storytelling happen. We spend so much time asking what we’re trying to say with the lyrics and how we communicate that to the audience.

Drew said on the first day that we’d all feel uncomfortable at times because we all have to do a bit of everything, but everyone brings their own strengths to support the group. Coming in as a dancer, I have so much more respect for singing. It’s such a muscle. It’s difficult but rewarding, and when we sing together as an ensemble you can really feel the energy in the room.

How does it feel to be creating this new version of Cats?

I’m so excited. On the first day we saw the set, costumes, and designs, and the cheers in the room were incredible. I think audiences are in for a treat, especially seeing it performed outdoors. It’s incredible.

What else are you excited to do in your career?

Anything that surprises me. I want to keep the same curiosity throughout my career, whether that’s another musical, contemporary dance, ballet, or acting. I just hope whatever comes next keeps me curious, interested, and hopeful. I’d love to do more in musical theatre now that I’ve entered it. Basically anything — I don’t think I’d rule anything out.

Book Cats tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

This article first appeared in the August 2026 issue of London Theatre Magazine.

Photo credit: Hannah Joseph. (Courtesy of production)