Frome Musical Theatre Company’s youth section, Spellbound, are busy rehearsing for their production of ‘Cats the Musical’ which will take place at the Frome Memorial Theatre from Thursday 3rd – Saturday 5th August.
With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and based on ‘Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats’ by T. S. Eliot, ‘Cats’ is set amongst a larger than life junkyard playground and is alive with favourite feline characters including Rum Tum Tugger, Mr. Mistoffelees, Macavity, Old Deuteronomy, Grizabella and Skimbleshanks and features unforgettable songs including Memory and Jellicle Ball.
The Frome Times spoke with 15 year-old Leo Horler who plays Mr Mistofelees.
Tell us a bit about your character.
All the Cats have their own personalities and story to tell. Mr Mistofelees is quite mischievous, he’s a magician and a talented, classical dancer, but he’s not overly confident. I found parallels between me and my character in terms of personality and also the dancing as he does lots of balletic and contemporary movement, which are the genres I lean towards the most.
How are rehearsals going?
Rehearsals are going well; I’m looking forward to workshop week where we put the show together. We have set my Mr Mistofelees number and the choreography was really fun to learn.
Do you have a favourite song you’re looking forward to performing?
I’m looking forward to being in the big numbers with all the different cats; in the beginning there’s the Jellicle Ball which is a great number and full of energy!
What have been your previous highlights on the stage?
I recently performed in my school production of ‘Fame’ where I had the privilege of playing Tyrone Jackson. He was a bit of a bad guy and a great character, but also gave me the opportunity to dance in some amazing numbers such as the beautiful ballet duet.
Do you plan to pursue a career in the performing arts.
Yes! I’ve got a place at Bird College in Kent to study a three-year musical theatre diploma. I’m looking forward to developing my skills in singing, drama and dance. Once I’ve completed my course I’d love to work on cruise ships or in a West End production, but my absolute dream is to be part of Mathew Bourne’s company as I love his work.
Cats runs from Thursday 3rd – Saturday 5th August at 7pm with a matinee also on Saturday 5th at 2pm. Tickets are on sale from the Frome Memorial Theatre box office open 9.30am – 1pm Monday to Saturday call 01373 462795 or book online at www.fromememorialtheatre.org.uk Tickets £12, concessions £11, under 16s £9, group bookings of 10 or more people £9 each (only from box office)
