WITH each BATS Next Gen show, there seems to be a general feeling that it is even more ambitious and with a much greater risk factor than the last.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical Cats is no exception. Although we know by now that this is a society who attract and develop young performers who are adept at singing, acting and movement, this will be the first time we see them really dance as well - for none other than a full-length production.

But once again, the brilliant creative team behind BATS Next Gen have held their nerve and succeeded, quite fantastically.

With the slick, sophisticated choreography of Kayleigh Halloway and exciting, thoughtful direction from Richard Cox, this sensational company of cats and kittens bring real storytelling to even the most demanding dance numbers. 

And indeed, key to producing this musical, beyond ensuring the performers are unmistakably feline, is in the storytelling. Through Charles Withall's brilliant musical direction, each number is given an atmosphere so spine-tingling and beautiful that an audience cannot help but be drawn into the stories.

We are led from fear to delight and from sadness to wonder, most significantly in Alyssa Medalla's heartbreaking performance of Memory.

With such zest and commitment to their characters, BATS Next Gen create a chorus of cats so full of life that you fear to blink, should you miss a moment of interaction between them. The energy of their dancing - whether it is together, in duets or solos - is contagious.

With seeming effortlessness, they tackle a variety of dance styles, from the bright tap number for Jennyanydots to a gorgeous pointé solo from Georgina McGuigan as the white cat Victoria.

And it must be said, they manage to do all of this while also singing both magnificent harmonies and jaw-dropping solo numbers.

One element of the show that is worth seeing for itself is the sensational costumes. Each cat has their very own individually designed catsuit and make-up. The attention to detail is such that to see the ensemble altogether is something of a spectacle. 

It is this same care and devotion that clearly carries throughout the production and means that this promises - once again - to be one of BATS Next Gen's most enthralling shows.

*This production runs in Queen Mary’s Hall, QMC, from Thursday, February 20, until Saturday 22, including a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets, priced £13.50 for adults, £11.50 for under-16s or over-65s, can be purchased via ticketsource.co.uk, the Facebook page Facebook/BATSNG, or by calling 07754 068545. Find out more online at batsnextgen.co.uk.