Rum Tum Tugger

''This article is about the original Rum Tum Tugger. For the updated rapping character, see Rum Tum Tugger (Street Cat).''

The Rum Tum Tugger is a principal character in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats.

Personality
"Vain, Perverse, Inconsequent"

- Three Words

Rum Tum Tugger is a show off, often trying to garner the attention when it is not focused on him, and revelling in it when it is. Many of the kittens and Queens are fans of his charisma, however the more responsible and mature characters are fed up with his escapades, especially Munkustrap, Demeter, and Mistoffelees.

He is indecisive and demanding, and only likes what he finds for himself. There is nothing he enjoys like a horrible muddle.

Role
"The rock star.  Should have a strong, raw rock voice, be able to move well, and must have a wild sex appeal - with a sense of humour.  Playing age: 25-30."

- Casting Calls

Tugger is a principal singing role and a major character part, and dancing ability is less important for the actor than his singing and character acting. The amount Tugger dances in the show varies according to the actor's ability, but he usually has a featured section in The Ball. He sings solo in The Rum Tum Tugger and Magical Mister Mistoffelees, and sings in Old Deuteronomy with Munkustrap.

Initially he has no time for Grizabella and considers her a threat, but after she sings "Memory" he understands her plight.

Tugger plays one of the Pirate crew in "Growltiger's Last Stand".

Appearance
The Rum Tum Tugger is a primarily black cat with a golden mane and leopard spots in patches on his chest, arms, and legs, which suggest a dark tabby coat pattern. He has remarkably long-haired mane. He channels the 1950s/60s Rock'n'roll with his leather belt and gloves and quiff. The Japanese production initially made him a more direct reference to Elvis, in his white jumpsuit, making Tugger white but still with a magnificent ruff.

Song
A classic rock style song, "The Rum Tum Tugger" is a song about Tugger's contradicting, self-loving ways, and how everyone still loves him for it.

Fandom
For fandom headcanons and theories, CLICK HERE.