Jemima/Interpretations

Because of the vague and fluid nature of the show, character backstories and portrayals often vary depending on the production and actor. The following are quotes from creatives and cast members on how they interpret and/or portray the character of Jemima/Sillabub.

Ahren Victory
Ahren Victory played Sillabub in the 2019 US tour.


 * On Sillabub:

"[...] Sillababy, as I like to call her. She is one of the youngest kittens. She is what Grizabella [a much older and neglected cat] used to be in her youth. She is curious, yearns for adventure and sees all the world has to offer and has a big heart. She is one of the first to accept Grizabella and sings to Griz during "Memory" to renew her sense of fight after she's fallen."

- Ahren Victory

Anita Louise Combe
Anita Louise Combe played Sillabub in the 1985 Sydney production, and Grizabella in the 2016 UK tour.


 * On having played both Sillabub and Grizabella:

"I remember Trevor Nunn telling me that Sillabub was the most likely kitten to understand, sympathise and potentially become Grizabella!!! [...] I felt that I was able to come full circle having played the youngest kitten at the beginning of my career, right through to Grizabella who depicts the polar opposite end of life to Sillabub."

- Anita Louise Combe