The award-winning Broadway and West End show is returning after a hiatus, and will be showing in ManchesterJoshua Boyles Technology, gaming and entertainment affiliates writer
13:54, 14 Oct 2025
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Cats The Musical will perform at Manchester’s Palace Theatre in November 2026.(Image: ATG Tickets)
The iconic musical ‘CATS’ is set to return next summer with November dates already reserved for the show to appear at Manchester’s Palace Theatre.
Almost 45 years after its initial debut, the show from the mind of Andrew Lloyd Webber will begin its 2026 tour in the Open Air Theatre of Regent’s Park before embarking on a wider UK tour in the second half of the year.
CATS is based on the book from T.S. Elliot, originally called Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, and follows the story of several stray and rebel cats of London. Theatre goers can expect to witness performances of iconic songs, including Memory and Old Deuteronomy.
This musical is known for its record-breaking staying power, with it initially running for 21 years in the West End with almost 9,000 performances. It’s won the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical, with the Broadway equivalent also winning seven Tony awards across its 18-year run.
This latest return for CATS will be directed and choreographed by Drew McOnie, who says: “As for many dancers in the industry, CATS was a transformative experience for me and as a former cast member it’s thrilling to be directing and choreographing this brand-new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s iconic musical.
“I can’t wait to share this much-loved piece with a new generation of audiences both in the stunning outdoor setting of Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre and in theatres across the UK.”
Speaking about the production’s 2026 return, Andrew Lloyd Webber said: “I am very excited to see a totally new production of CATS back on the stage where it belongs. I can think of no-one better than Drew McOnie to bring a new vision to the world of the Jellicles.”
Full casting is yet to be announced for the show, with information to follow early in 2026. There’s also no news on when tickets will become available to book, with a press release stating that the on sale date will be announced ‘soon’.
What we do know is that Manchester’s Palace Theatre is currently booked out to show CATS between November 10 – 21, 2026. As such, those looking forward to catch the next stage appearance of CATS should start blocking out their calendars accordingly.
When tickets do go on sale, they’ll be available here. You can also book purse-friendly tickets on the site for shows like Six The Musical, The Bodyguard,
We’ll report back once we know more.