Bill Bailey

Bill Bailey, is a character from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, Cats. In the Original London Production, the name "Bill Bailey" was used, taken from "The Naming of Cats". In the Broadway Production however, the same ensemble role was named Tumblebrutus, the name taken from "Growltiger's Last Stand".

Literary scholars believe that the name 'Bill Bailey' was derived by T. S. Eliot from the popular 1902 song 'Won't You Come Home Bill Bailey' for a cat that likes to stray from home.

Personality
Bill Bailey is one of the youngest male kittens, mischievous and easily excited. He is usually seen with the other young toms, Carbucketty/Pouncival, Admetus/Plato, and George and Victor when they appear.

Role
"Acrobat, dancer, singer. Must be able to perform a variety of acrobatics, including a series of flicflacs and saltos."

- Casting Calls

Bill Bailey is usually cast as an acrobat as well as principally being a dance role. He rarely is centre stage, but often pulls focus with his antics in the background. In the UK Tour, Bill Bailey joins the female kittens in squealing over Rum Tum Tugger. He is also sometimes the kitten swinging on the trapeze in Jellicle Songs for Jellicle Cats.

Appearance
Bill Bailey is a white and brown patched tom cat, often depicted in the show as a kitten. Of all the Cats with dual names/personalities, his appearance remains the most consistent, having a distinctive brown patch over one eye, and brown patches on his right shoulder and left hip.

Fandom
For fandom headcanons and theories, CLICK HERE.