There has to be a reason why Cats became the longest-running musical in the history of both West End theatre and Broadway.

Andrew Llloyd Webber’s music to TS Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats has struck a chord throughout the world.

Since its debut performance in 1981 it has been performed in more than 20 different countries and translated into 10 languages.

Perhaps one clue to the show’s success is in the Bristol Hippodrome programme, which includes two adverts for cat charities and one for cat food. We are a nation of cat lovers after all.

Its success is certainly not because of any storyline, of which there virtually is none – other than a lot of cats meeting at the Jellicle Ball with their wise leader Old Deuteronomy.

Success is certainly due to a few of the songs.

Memory, of course, performed poignantly by Grizabella (Sophia Ragavelas) at the close of act one and again towards the end of act two.

Other favourites are Skimbleshanks (Ross Finnie) about a railway cat sung to the rhythm of a steam train, and Macavity the mystery cat, played with menace by Cameron Ball.

The staging and choreography, however, were straight out of the 80s, and despite aisles, doors and assorted stage furniture being well-utilised by the boisterous cast it was clear that this would have been better in the round as Cats was first performed.

There was also an extended dance element in the first half which served no purpose other than to showcase the company’s skills.

Cats may be a global success, but so is Justin Bieber.

This production is without doubt slick, polished, with some memorable songs, but after more than 30 years can’t we now move on from this feline fandango?

Cats is at the Bristol Hippodrome until October 26. For tickets and more information, visit www.atgtickets.com/shows/cats/bristol-hippodrome.