Cats has announced the casting of three performers as Grizabella for its new UK and Ireland tour, which opens at Theatre Royal Plymouth in October 2026. This follows the successful Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre revival directed by Drew McOnie.

Louise Dearman, Alice Fearn and Rachael Wooding will share the iconic role of Grizabella on the upcoming tour of Cats, which launches on 6 October 2026 at Theatre Royal Plymouth. Wooding previously played Grizabella during the Regent’s Park run, while Dearman and Fearn join the fresh touring company lineup.

The production is presented by Michael Harrison for Lloyd Webber Harrison Musicals and continues the momentum from the record-breaking Regent’s Park revival. Drew McOnie directed and choreographed the previous production.

Additional cast members confirmed include Fin Adams as Alonzo, Kalisha Amaris as Old Deuteronomy, and Jaydon Vijn as Rum Tum Tugger, alongside a wide ensemble of performers covering multiple roles and swings.

Dearman reflected on performing “Memory,” describing it as “one of the most famous songs in musical theatre history.” Fearn called Grizabella a “dream” role, highlighting the show’s enduring legacy. Wooding said reprising the character “feels like a full circle moment.”

The tour is set to travel extensively across the UK and Ireland, including cities such as Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, Dublin, and Cardiff, with performances scheduled until June 2027. Specific venues and dates for individual cast appearances have been announced.

Creative direction involves set, costume, and wig designer Sami Fendall, lighting by Jessica Hung Han Yun, and sound by Adam Fisher. The creative team also features associate director Ebony Molina, intimacy director Ingrid Mackinnon, and musical supervisor Alex Parker among others.

The production is based on T S Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. It aims to bring a fresh touring experience of the much-loved musical to audiences across the UK and Ireland.