Hugh Beath, 11, James Beath, 14, from Nelson Bay, Hugo Sutherland, 8, Oskar Sutherland, 13, from Bobs Farm, Tahlia Goodwin, 15, from Salamander Bay and Bridget Phipps, 14, from Corlette, each star in the Young People’s Theatre production of CATS.

YPT’s production is an abridged version of the critically acclaimed musical.

CATS tells the story, in song and dance, of the annual gathering of Jellicle cats.

During this gathering one special cat is selected to ascend to the “heaviside layer”.

The play is based on the poems by T.S Elliot in Old Possum’s Book Of Practical Cats.

The YPT production follows along the same story line, but is set in a playground.

The cats, played by the YPT cast, come out to play by a Jellicle moon to see who is selected for rebirth. 

There is a cast of 23 young actors that brings CATS to life. The cast alternate the days they appear in the show.

Hugh and Hugo are newcomers to the musical theatre scene.

They play kittens, Alonzo and Bill Bailey respectively, that are promised to have the audience in stitches with their antics.

Oskar has performed in YPT productions for a number of years.

In CATS, Oskar plays is Rum Tug Tugger. He woos the young female cats with his sophistication and moves. 

James plays Old Deuteronomy, a much loved older character in CATS.

The 14-year-old is said to have a voice that will sooth the soul, especially for someone so young.

Tahlia plays Shimble Shanks the railway cat. 

Bridget is no newcomer to the stage. 

She plays the demanding role of Grisabella and pulls it off with flair. 

Additionally, Bridget is part of the makeup team that turns the cast of 23 from humans to cats.

YPT’s abridged production of CATS opened on July 10, and will run at its theatre in Hamilton until Saturday, August 12.

Tickets, available from ypt.org.au, cost between $17 and $23.