Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, with Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals, has announced today a brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation, CATS. Set to leap into the magical outdoor setting of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and embark on a major tour of the UK, including dates at Bristol Hippodrome, it’s sure to create a memory.
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 in London from July 25 – September 12, 2026. The musical production of CATS will start its tour of the UK in Plymouth, before heading to Hull and Birmingham, followed by Bristol Hippodrome, where the show will run from November 24 – 28, 2026.
CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history
From Euston Station to Victoria Grove, the strays and rebels of London gather under the Jellicle moon in the hope they’ll be the chosen one. And each of them asks, because each of them dares, who will it be?
With a legendary score featuring Old Deuteronomy, Macavity: The Mystery Cat, The Jellicle Ball and the chart-topping hit Memory, CATS is one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history. The show originally premiered at the New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances. The ground-breaking production was the winner of the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. In 1983, the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony awards, including Best Musical. It ran for 18 years.
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 two major international tours, and CATS: The Jellicle Ball will make its Broadway debut at the Broadhurst Theatre.
“I can’t wait to share this much-loved piece with a new generation of audiences.”
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.”
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.”
Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals’ recent productions include the acclaimed, hit production of Evita at The London Palladium, the Olivier-Award and Tony-Award winning revival of SUNSET BLVD., and Starlight Express, which has just extended for the sixth time at Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre.
The Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of CATS 2026 dates
Regent’s Park London – July 25 – September 12
Theatre Royal Plymouth – October 6 – 17
Hull New Theatre – October 20 – 24
Birmingham Hippodrome – October 27 – November 7
Palace Theatre Manchester – November 10 – 21
Bristol Hippodrome – November 24 – 28
Venue Cymru Llandudno – December 1 – 5
Theatre Royal Glasgow – December 8 – 27
How to get tickets to see CATS
Tickets to see CATS at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre in London will go on sale here from October 28. A sale date for shows at Bristol Hippodrome is yet to be confirmed. Find out more and stay updated here.