The legendary musical Cats announces 2025 Australia tour is celebrating 40 years, Melbourne audiences can experience the magic, too. Originally set for Sydney and Adelaide, the production has added a Melbourne season at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, starting in December 2025.
This marks a full-circle moment for the iconic show, which first debuted in Australia in July 1985 at Sydney’s Theatre Royal. Andrew Lloyd Webber’s beloved musical, inspired by TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, has been a global sensation for decades—despite its infamous 2019 movie adaptation.
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Where Is ‘Cats’ Touring in Australia in 2025?
1- Sydney:
From June 17, 2025, at Theatre Royal Sydney
2- Adelaide:
From September 2025, at Her Majesty’s Theatre
3- Melbourne:
From December 2025, at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
Why ‘Cats’ Remains a Theatre Classic
Producer John Frost of Crossroads Live is thrilled to bring the original production back to Australian audiences, stating:
“Cats is a legendary show that I’ve admired for over 40 years. A sparkling fusion of music, dance, and verse, it was revolutionary when it first opened and enticed new audiences into the world of musical theatre.”
He adds, “Australia has an enduring love for Cats, and it’s time to let the memory live again.”
What Is ‘Cats’ About?
Set during the Jellicle Ball, the story follows the Jellicle cat tribe as their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, selects one cat to be reborn into a new life. And yes, the word “Jellicle” is mentioned—a lot!
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From Stage to Screen (and a Notorious Film Adaptation)
Though Cats has enchanted theatre audiences worldwide, its 2019 film adaptation was less well-received. Directed by Tom Hooper (The Danish Girl), the movie featured a star-studded cast including:
- Taylor Swift
- Idris Elba
- Judi Dench
- Ian McKellen
- James Corden
- Jennifer Hudson
- Jason Derulo
- Rebel Wilson
Despite its high-profile cast, the movie earned six Golden Raspberry Awards, including Worst Picture. However, the stage version continues to be a global theatre sensation, proving why it remains an unmissable experience for musical lovers.
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How to Get Tickets for ‘Cats’ in Melbourne
The Melbourne season kicks off in December 2025 at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. Fans can sign up for the ticket waitlist via the official Cats musical website.
Don’t miss this special anniversary tour secure your spot and experience the magic of Cats live on stage.
