The Great Rumpus Cat is a featured character in Cats. He appears only in "The Awefull Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles", where he is the hero in a short play put on by the Jellicles to entertain Old Deuteronomy.
In universe, the Rumpus Cat is not a "real" character, but a character from a story, similar to Growltiger and Griddlebone. Whether the origins of the story are meant to be real, legendary or fictional is up to interpretation.
The Japanese production uses the name "Rumpus Cat" for an ensemble cat.
Personality[]
As the Rumpus Cat only appears in the context of "The Pekes and the Pollicles", his only interactions are with Munkustrap, the story's narrator. He is very enthusiastic but somewhat incompetent; he misses his cues, misunderstands commands, and only just avoids kicking Munkustrap. Nevertheless, the Pekes and Pollicles are suitably intimidated by his presence.
Appearance[]
The Great Rumpus Cat is portrayed as a kind of superhero to the Jellicles; as such, his appearance is stylised, with a glowing red eye-mask as eyes, a thin tail and a sleek black coat. On his chest is a Superman-style "R" logo.
In the original London production in 1981, Alonzo did not wear a separate costume for Rumpus, only the logo was detachable over a black costume. However as the show developed Alonzo soon established his own black and white costume, with the Rumpus Cat being a quick change suit pulled over the performer's regular costume.
Starting with the Broadway Revival in 2016, the "Pekes and Pollicles" scene was re-conceived as a play put on by the cats to encourage Gus to take to the stage again. He plays Rumpus Cat in a messy long cloak, with a heavy collar that features a tire tread. In keeping with the elderly cat playing the character, Rumpus Cat is no longer athletic and acrobatic.
Gallery[]
Role[]
"The Awefull Battle of the Pekes and the Pollicles" is presented as a play put on by the Jellicle Cats to impress and entertain Old Deuteronomy. It features the Rumpus Cat as a superhero-like figure who saves the day by single-handedly scaring away two warring dog tribes. Within the Cats universe, the story is likely fictional, or at least greatly exaggerated given its far-fetched nature, meaning that the Great Rumpus Cat is likely just an urban legend. The Rumpus Cat is played by one of the tall ensemble toms which, depending on the production, is often Alonzo, Plato or George.
Japan Ensemble[]
An ensemble character named "Rumpus Cat" appears exclusively in the Japanese production. The production varies considerably from the normal replica productions and rather than having Alonzo, the production has two male ensemble, Carbucketty and Rumpus Cat. Since the 1998 overhaul, the Rumpus Cat's design is recognisably related to the black and white Alonzo. Carbucketty's look is similarly related to the black and gold Alonzo design.
The ensemble Rumpus Cat is primarily a dancing role. With the reintroduction of "The Pekes and the Pollicles" in the Japanese production in 2018, he also doubles as the song character, during which he dons a "superhero" costume complete with a cape and "R" chest logo.
Broadway 2016[]
The 2016 Broadway revival changed the context of "The Pekes and the Pollicles". Rather than being performed to entertain Old Deuteronomy prior to the "Jellicle Ball", the number is used as Gus's reminiscence in place of "Growltiger's Last Stand". Gus performs a very different take on Rumpus Cat in a long, flowing cloak. These changes were incorporated into the subsequent international tour and 6th US tour.
Etymology[]
The word "rumpus" means "a noisy disturbance" - appropriate (albeit ironic) for the cat who stopped a commotion in his neighbourhood.
Translations[]
The following names have also been used for the character of Rumpus Cat in various international productions:
- Kater Rumpum - Vienna 1983
- Ron Røvarkatt - Oslo 1985
- Slim Slagsmålskatt - Stockholm 1987
- Braniekat - Amsterdam 1987
- Grand Charivari - Paris 1989
- Raufbold-Katz' - Stuttgart 2001
- Raptus Zuch - Warsaw 2004