Drama school graduate Taziva-Faye Katsande took over the role of Grizabella for the opening night of Drew McOnie’s new Cats production at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, marking a star-making moment in the revival.

Taziva-Faye Katsande, 19, recently completing her training, assumed the role of Grizabella on opening night at the Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, replacing Rachael Wooding who is currently out with illness. Katsande usually performs as Tantomile in the same production.

The role of Grizabella is famously associated with star-making performances, dating back to Elaine Paige’s career breakthrough in 1981 when she replaced Judi Dench days before Cats’ world premiere. Katsande’s rendition of the iconic “Memory” drew critical praise, described by Time Out as “sublime” and by Sarah Crompton as a “star is born moment” with a “rich and raw version” of the number.

Prior to joining this revival, Katsande played Tallulah in the recent tour of Bugsy Malone and the title character in Annie. She was also runner-up at the 2026 Stephen Sondheim Society Student Performer of the Year Competition, an accolade highlighting her emerging talent.

During her third year at Bird College, Katsande took on another Andrew Lloyd Webber role, playing Jesus in an all-female Jesus Christ Superstar production. This diverse range of parts underlines her growing versatility and stage presence.

Drew McOnie explained Katsande’s appearance to the audience before press night, noting that Wooding will return to the role in due course. This change highlights the unpredictable nature of live theatre and the readiness of rising performers to take centre stage when called upon.

Katsande’s sudden elevation to lead reflects Cats’ ongoing reputation as a platform for new talent, continuing its tradition as a launching pad for performers at the start of their careers.