File:Cats lisa peter 21a UK tour 3.jpg

Description
Behind the scenes of CAT's @ Regent Theatre By Lisa Dawson Ever wondered what you'd look like as a Cat? Well our reporter Lisa Dawson found out when she went behind the scenes of CATs - the latest production at the Regent Theatre in Hanley!

Around a week into the 3 week long production of CAT's, and everyone looked pretty settled into their dressing rooms at the Regent Theatre in Stoke-on Trent.

The high energy, all singing, all dancing musical involves around 30 actors dressed as different feline characters - from the playful prankster Rum Tum Tugger and the leader Old Deuteronomy, to the glamorous Grizabella - and not forgetting Munkustrap and his second hand man Alonzo, who we met for a chat (and a makeover).

Introducing Peter Tyler AKA Alonzo...

Peter told us that each member of the cast is given 3 words to represent the personality of their cat. Alonzo is described as vain, uncertain and bravado, he's a black and white cat who's rather arrogant and rich ..... the cat into which I was about to be transformed!

Check out the photos of my transformation from woman to cat by clicking on the link below:

My CAT's makeover! > How long have you been travelling with the Cat's tour now?

Peter: "We've been in production for about 3 months. It started in Llandudno in Wales and then travelled around the country - we're taking the show to Portugal for 7 weeks in September though which will be exciting. Then we're coming back to carry on the tour in Scotland until February, then the cats changes!"

Is this the hardest show you've been in?

Peter sat at his makeup table Fooled you - he's a man really! Peter: "Yes I think it's been the hardest show I've done. I played Tommy in 'Annie Get Your Gun' which came here, and I was Tracis in the original cats of Footloose, but this has been the most physically exhausting play I've been in - when you go to bed you really do sleep well!

Which is your favourite bit?

Peter: "I'm not sure, I really enjoy the singing, but I love the dancing as well. I think dancing is a bit harder, I also play the Rumpus Cat who does his own solo dance - when Munkustrap puts on a play for Deuteronomy, the Rumpus Cat plays the main part and he starts ad-libbing.

"The costumes don't look too hot but when you've got leg warmers and your wig and stuff on you really over heat - so it's going to be hot in Portugal!"

How long does it take you to do your makeup?

Peter: "Originally when I first started it took about 1 1/2 hours, but now I've got it down to about 20 minutes. We have a chart of photos to help us to remember how to do it, the original makeup artist did it taking photos at each stage, it's hard when your first learning so I had it up against the mirrors!"

Has anyone had any injuries?

Lisa and Peter putting on makeup Am I doing this right? Peter: "Yes I was off for a while as I fell and twisted my ankle when I was playing Rumpus on opening night in Llandudno! I had to miss the Jellicle Ball - the big main scene because I had to go off. There are quite a few ankle injuries, but there's a sports masseuse travelling with the cast who we can go and see at any time."

How did you learn to dance like a cat?

Peter "When we were first rehearsing in London we did a 'cat rehearsal' where we were taught how to be cat like. At first you feel a bit silly, but you just have to go for it!"

Was it like in drama class where they ask you to 'be a tree' - did they tell you to think like cats? (laughs)

Peter: "(Laughs) Yes it was just like that!"

It was time for Peter to dash off to warm up for the matinee show with his make-up on. I wonder if they would've noticed if I joined them on stage - the newest cat at the Jellicle Ball!

Although I think I may have found my calling as a makeup artist - I did it all myself don't you know - impressed? I was!