Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats edited into 60-minute version for young people

A one-hour production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats is being released for schools and youth groups, aimed at offering them a more accessible version of the show.

The full production is already available to schools and youth groups, but the Really Useful Group – owned by Lloyd Webber – has announced a 60-minute version, which will come with a “show pack”, including a production guide, student vocal books, piano and vocal scores, backing tracks, artwork and instructions on choreography.

RUG said it had been designed to “support teachers looking to bring more arts and drama activities back into their schools”.

Cats, adapted from TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, premiered at the New London Theatre in 1981 and played for 21 years. 

It was originally directed by Trevor Nunn and featured musical staging by Gillian Lynne. 

In 1983 the Broadway production won seven Tony awards, including best musical, and ran for 18 years.