On 27 July, members of the original Australian company of CATS the Musical reunited to celebrate the 40^th anniversary of its opening at Theatre Royal Sydney!

The Australian premiere season ran for two years with 847 performances in Sydney and kicked off the mega-musical era at the theatre with Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera following soon after.

During its run, over 800,000 patrons were welcomed and grossed $AU28 million where theatregoers were expected to pay an “unheard of $AU35 for the privilege of seeing 35 men and women in wigs and whiskers, prowl around a set of oversized junk,” – Sydney Morning Herald, 1987.

Fifteen cast members stayed for the full Sydney season with Jeff Phillips (Rum Tum Tugger) only missing 10 of 847 performances, whilst cellist Dave Loew didn’t miss a single performance!

The anniversary season has generated significant nostalgia for patrons with many reminiscing about it being their first theatre show as a child, and now having the chance to enjoy it with their own children.

The Sydney season continues through to 6 September before heading off on tour around Australia.

Watch the mini documentary with the original Australian cast and footage here: