Former Pussycat Doll, Nicole Scherzinger, is going back to her feline roots: the American singer is to make her West End stage debut in the revival of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s award winning musical, Cats.
The US star, 32, who is dating Formula 1 racing ace Lewis Hamilton, will play the pivotal role of Grizabella – a part first made famous by Elaine Paige. The former X Factor judge will perform the role from 6 December 2014 to 7 February 2015.
Scherzinger said: “I am really thrilled to be making my West End debut in such an iconic show and I couldn’t be more excited. To have the opportunity to work with Andrew, Trevor and Gillian is a dream come true. I grew up listening to Andrew’s extraordinary music and was lucky enough, a couple of years ago, to record Cats’ beautiful song Memory.”
“Andrew’s score is breathtaking and I am truly honoured to have been asked to take part in what I know will be a very special time in my career. I can’t wait to begin rehearsals.”
Scherzinger studied theatre and dance at the Wright State University in Ohio. In 2003 she joined the Pussycat Dolls who have sold 50 million records worldwide, making them one of the best-selling girl groups of all time. She has subsequently gone on to enjoy success as a solo artist, selling 16 million records and having number one singles in the UK. In 2011 she joined the UK version of the X Factor as a judge. Nicole’s forthcoming album will be released on Sony Music this autumn.
Cats – based on T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats – will begin previews at the London Palladium on 6 December 2014 with an official opening night on 11 December. The revival brings together the original team of Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Trevor Nunn, choreographer and associate director Gillian Lynne and designer John Napier.
Since its world premiere in 1981, Cats has won numerous awards (including one Olivier award and seven Tony awards) and been performed in more than 30 countries and translated into 10 languages.
