'Cats' to be revived in London in 2026

One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, the musical centres on a tribe of cats who gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one.

Summary

• Cats returns to London in 2026 in a revival at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre
• Drew McOnie will direct and choreograph the production
• Cats is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history

A new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats will be staged at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London in summer 2026. The show will run from 25 July – 12 September 2026.

Directed and choreographed by the venue's artistic director Drew McOnie, the production has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and is based on Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot.

One of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, the musical centres on a tribe of cats who gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one.

Cats will be 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) and Evita.

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.”

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.”

Producer 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 UK tour.”

Check back for Cats tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Cats artwork. (Image by Feast Creative)