Alice Fearn Joins the Jellicle Tribe to Play the Iconic Role Grizabella

Following its record-breaking summer season in London, the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s global sensation, CATS will visit Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 8 – Sat 19 Jun 2027. Acclaimed West End performer Alice Fearn (Come From Away, Wicked) will play the iconic role of ‘Grizabella’.

Alice Fearn says of joining the company of CATS: “Grizabella’ is one of those roles I had on my ‘dream’ list. The chance to be a part of this huge CATS legacy and get the opportunity to sing one of the most iconic scores ever written is something I will cherish forever.”

'Memory' is one of musical theatre’s defining songs. It won an Ivor Novello Award for Best Song, Musically and Lyrically in 1982, and the original West End ‘Grizabella’, Elaine Paige had a top 10 UK chart hit with the song. Andrew Lloyd Webber's haunting musical masterpiece has been recorded by many other notable performers, including Barbra Streisand and Barry Manilow.

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 2 major international tours.

CATS plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tue 8 – Sat 19 Jun 2027. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.

Image: Cats Dress Rehearsal / Photo Credit: Mark Senior