Now on Stage! CATS the Musical Brings Theatrical Mayhem to Montecasino

CATS, one of the biggest hits in theatrical history, is now showing on the Johannesburg stage from 17 January to 22 February 2026 at Montecasino. Bursting with energy, CATS features Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated score, including the unforgettable ballad “Memory,” along with breathtaking choreography, dazzling costumes and an extraordinary, oversized junkyard set.

The South African season features a stellar, local cast and promises a spellbinding theatrical experience for the whole family. Here’s everything you need to know.

CATS the musical in Johannesburg | What's On in Joburg

This groundbreaking musical is set to dazzle audiences

Adapted from T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, this “groundbreaking musical” (Daily Express) comes together in a sparkling fusion of music, dance and verse. CATS  first leapt onto the stage at London’s New London Theatre in 1981, where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances.

The hit musical is brought to SA by Pieter Toerien and GWB Entertainment by arrangement with The Really Useful Group and in association with Cape Town Opera.

This new South African season will retain the original production’s creative magic, with design by John Napier, choreography by the late Gillian Lynne, and direction by Trevor Nunn - all part of the multi-award-winning original team behind the show’s spectacular legacy. The production promises to capture the hearts of new fans while rekindling the nostalgia of long-time theatre lovers.

Meet the cast

Audiences can look forward to an exceptional South African cast, including Cindy Ann Abrahams as Grizabella, King B as Old Deuteronomy, Dylan Janse van Rensburg as Rum Tum Tugger and Che-jean Jupp as Munkustrap, Stephan Van Der Walt as Admetus / Macavity, Sibusiso Mxosana as Alonzo, Sipesihle Ngamlana as Bill Bailey, Tatum Coleman asBombalurina, Tshepo Ncokoane as Bustopher Jones / Gus, Michael Fullard as Carbuckety, Hannah Marshall as Cassandra, Darren Rockman as Coricopat, Brittane van Loggerenberg asDemeter, Morgan Marshall as Electra, Harry Smallman as George, Noa Duckitt as Jellylorum, Scarlett Pay as Jemima, Zoe Mclaughlin as Jennyanydots, Austin Tshikosi as Mungojerrie, Jordan Roelfze as Quaxo / Mr Mistoffelees, Tannah Levick as Rumpleteazer, Logan Timbre asSkimbleshanks, Tania Mteto as Tantomile and Cassiel Eatock-Winnik as Victoria, with Ryan Flynn, Jackie Lulu, Marco Titus and Phoebe Charles as swings.

A timeless production that has seen global acclaim

The show features a magnificent musical score composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, including the timeless hit song “Memory”. Together with a fantastical oversized set, inspired choreography, and mischievous costumes, CATS  is a brilliant song-and-dance spectacular not to be missed.

Since its debut,  CATS has been presented in over  54 countries, translated into 23 languages, and seen by more than 77 million people worldwide. Its enduring appeal lies in a combination of musical brilliance, lyrical poetry, and stunning visual theatre. Audiences are invited into the world of the Jellicle Cats for one magical night when they come together for the Jellicle Ball and make the momentous decision of which cat will ascend to the Heaviside Layer.

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or experiencing the magic for the first time, this is your chance to see one of the most celebrated musicals of all time. With its unforgettable score, stunning dance sequences, and vibrant storytelling, CATS  is poised to be the theatrical event of the season.