MUSICALS are really not my thing and the closest I have ever come to a performance of Cats was watching Elaine Paige sing Memory on Top of the Pops.

But after a trip to Oxford’s New Theatre this week, I can safely say I am a fan!

Original director of the 1981 West End show, Trevor Nunn, is still at the helm of this “new edition”, which showcases Andrew Lloyd Webber’s music juxtaposed with the poetry of TS Eliot.

The story reveals the lives – or nine – of a band of felines, known as the Jellicle Cats, who have reunited at a dump for their annual ball. The lyrics to the songs comprise text from Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats and some of his unpublished writings.

Lloyd Webber’s irresistible compositions coupled with the beautiful, funny and often haunting words of Eliot and choreography of Gillian Lynne turn Cats into a show with gravitas.

As the audience is introduced to key members of the clan, and their traits, including cheeky thieves Mungojerrie and Rumpelteazer, cuddly pack leader Old Deuteronomy and funky rapper Rum Tum Tugger, a sorry tale emerges about shunned puss, Grizabella.

Played by Marianne Benedict (Lisa in EastEnders), Grizabella is a Glamour Cat who left to travel the world and now wants to return to the fold. She steals our hearts when she sings Memory, probably the most well-known number from the show. But the rest of the music is ear-catching, and I left the auditorium humming all the way home.

Benedict is not the only talented member of the company: Shiv Rabheru  astounds young and old alike with his magical Mistoffelees; Javier Cid plays a fearless Macavity, and Josh Andrews is a strong Alonzo.

There is not one weak link in this cast, whose singing is beautiful and who all seem as flexible in their movements as their feline characters.

To top it all off, associate set designer Alan Walker has left no stone unturned with scenery which had us entertained for at least 30 minutes before curtain up.

As I explained, as a rule, I am not a musical fan, but Cats is a poetic and musical phenomenon, and I would gladly watch this production again. It is hardly surprising the show takes the prize for the longest ever running West End musical. It left me purring!

Cats runs until Saturday at the New Theatre in George Street.