Cats

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The show first hit the stages 28 years ago. When did you first see the musical?

I saw Cats when it opened in the late ’80s – it was quite amazing. It was before I began my career as a musical performer and I was pursuing a fine-arts degree. I could see myself playing Grizabella but when I first auditioned they said, ‘you’re too young, you haven’t suffered enough’. I think I’ve suffered enough now though! Not in the same way Grizabella has, but you have to have been there to do the character justice. I don’t think I could have done it 17 years ago.

How does such a long-running show stay interesting?

It’s the same as it ever was – they try to maintain the original version and the spirit of T.S. Eliot’s poems. The performances are cast so they remain true to the spirit of the piece. Each cast is new to it and learning about it, which keeps it fresh. And with more technology, the attention to detail with the lighting, costumes and stages is better than 25 years ago.

What is the highlight of performing in Cats?

I enjoyed travelling around Australia with Cats Run Away to the Circus. We went around the Outback with a Big Top that held 2,000 people. Sometimes it was thousands of miles between stops. In the show, the part where I go up to the Heavyside Layer is great because I get to fly up to the top parts of the theatre. But having to climb down in the Big Top was hard in heels!

Cat person or dog person?

I adore both dogs and cats. But at this point in my life I’m more a cat person. I’ve got a puppy, but sometimes I’m not in the mood to play and roll around on the floor. I’d like a cat to just sleep beside me.