The purr-fect summer musical is coming to Melbourne, and Aussie theatre legend Todd McKenney is along for the ride! He’s starring in the 40th Anniversary Australian tour of CATS, taking on two iconic roles: the dapper Bustopher Jones and the nostalgic Asparagus, or “Gus” the Theatre Cat.

Todd joined Lucy & Kel for Breakfast to talk about the full-circle moment of returning to CATS decades after playing a kitten in the 1987–88 Melbourne season. Now older and wiser, he says Gus is the role he was “born to play” and admits he sees a lot of himself in the storytelling old cat.

But here’s the twist: Todd’s not actually a cat person! “I don’t trust cats,” he laughed, adding, “I’m being paid to love them.” Luckily, he does love CATS the musical and is thrilled to be back. He also opens up about moving to Melbourne to be closer to his daughter… and Lucy and Kel assure him its the best place in Australia!

With timeless music (yes, Memory will give you chills), jaw-dropping choreography and a magical story, CATS runs at Hamer Hall from 21 December to 18 January.

Extra shows have just been added — grab your tickets now at catsthemusical.com.au and let the memory live again.

Missed our cat chat with Todd McKenney? Catch the paws-itively fabulous episode on the Lucy & Kel Podcast now!