ANDREW Lloyd Webber’s all-singing, all-dancing musical, CATS, is being given a new lease of life by the award-winning Highcliffe Charity Players at the Regent Centre in Christchurch.

One of the longest running shows in West End and Broadway history, it has been performed in over 30 countries, translated into 15 languages and seen by more than 73 million people worldwide.

The popular musical, which premiered on Broadway in 1981, has been made into musical fantasy film, starring the likes of James Corden, Idris Elba and Taylor Swift, which will be released in the UK in December.

The company will be hosting six performances, including a Thursday and Saturday matinee, between Wednesday, October 30 and Saturday November 2. Tickets are £16 with concessions at £15.

Director Neil Mathieson said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be back with HCP helping to bring one of the most iconic, historical musicals to the Regent Centre stage. From the inspired choreography and mischievous costumes to the timeless score, I hope we can introduce a new generation of theatre fans to the wonderful world of CATS.”

The choreography is being shared by Chloe Hughes and James Dixon-Box, both working with HCP for the first time. Chloe said: “When I heard HCP were producing CATS, I jumped at the chance to do this show again. I feel super privileged to be choreographing for them. We’ve had such fun creating the show, I hope the cast has as much fun bringing it to the stage.”

HCP’s music director, Stuart Darling, who conducts a 10-piece band said: “The score includes fusions of different musical styles and Lloyd Webber’s signature use of odd time signatures. The audience is sure to recognise the iconic opening theme as well as what is surely one of the most memorable musical theatre showstoppers of all time - ‘Memory’ “

HCP’s diverse company of 30 singing, dancing felines comprises of both long time stalwarts and talented newcomers, including youngsters aged 11 and 12 and several teenagers.

Highcliffe Charity Players have received a personal message from the world-famous impresario, as reported in the Echo last week, who sent “good wishes” for their upcoming production and hoped they “have a wonderful time” performing it.