Victoria, a young white cat portrayed by Francesca Hayward, finds herself abandoned in the streets of London one fateful night by her owner. As she navigates her new surroundings, she encounters a group of alley cats who call themselves the "Jellicles". Among them is the bashful magician Mr. Mistoffelees, who soon develops sentiments for Victoria, alongside the devoted Munkustrap, played by Robert Fairchild, and two queens named Cassandra and Demeter, performed by Mette Towley and Daniela Norman, respectively. They introduce her to the enchanting world of the Jellicles, especially as the exciting Jellicle Ball approaches, a yearly event where cats compete for a chance to ascend to the Heaviside Layer and begin anew.
Throughout this vibrant tale, various competitors showcase their unique skills and roles within the feline community. Jennyanydots, a diligent domestic tabby, enhances the productivity of mice and roaches, while the dashing Rum Tum Tugger, animatedly brought to life by Jason Derulo, brings flair and mischief. We also meet Bustopher Jones, played by James Corden, a lavish cat who revels in food scraps, and Skimbleshanks, a meticulous ginger cat portrayed by Steven McRae, who dutifully keeps the railway on schedule. The veteran Gus, played by Ian McKellen, recalls his illustrious roles, contrasting sharply with the villainous Macavity, performed by Idris Elba, who possesses the sinister ability to vanish and kidnaps the contestants (except for Tugger) to secure his chance as the Jellicle Choice.
Victoria’s adventures lead her to the mischievous twin cats, Mungojerrie and Rumpleteazer, who delight in chaos and encourage her to partake in their playful antics. However, their mischief lands Victoria in trouble, tangled in jewelry as a watching family dog grows suspicious. Fortunately, Mr. Mistoffelees comes to her rescue, managing to distract the dog, and they return to their companions just in time for the arrival of the tribe's revered matriarch, Old Deuteronomy.
The Jellicle Ball begins under the enchanting lights of the abandoned Egyptian Theatre, where Victoria impressively showcases her ballet talents beneath the moonlight. Yet, her performance is disrupted when Cassandra picks on Grizabella, portrayed by Jennifer Hudson, a former member of the clan who was ostracized due to her past association with Macavity. Victoria empathizes with Grizabella’s sense of isolation, and as Grizabella fades into shadows, Old Deuteronomy observes their unspoken bond, offering hope that Victoria may soon join the Jellicles.
The revelry is soon interrupted by the glamorous Bombalurina, portrayed by Taylor Swift, who captivates the crowd with her number dedicated to Macavity, using her charm to subdue the festivities with catnip. When Macavity demands to be recognized as the Jellicle Choice, Old Deuteronomy refuses, leading to her abduction along with other contestants. As the Jellicles grapple with their leader's kidnapping, Victoria proposes that Mr. Mistoffelees use his magic to reunite them with Old Deuteronomy. After several attempts, he succeeds, and the Jellicles cheer for him as he shares a dance with Victoria. Meanwhile, Jennyanydots, through a brilliant costume change, liberates herself and the other captured cats from Macavity's grasp, prompting his escape as he leaves one of his minions behind.
When Grizabella returns, Victoria advocates for her to vocalize her deep feelings. Grizabella then performs a poignant ballad, expressing regrets and memories of her past brilliance, which resonate deeply within the Jellicles' hearts. Old Deuteronomy recognizes Grizabella as the Jellicle Choice, sending her off to the Heaviside Layer in a chandelier magically repaired by Mr. Mistoffelees to resemble a hot air balloon. In a final effort to pursue his own ascent, Macavity leaps dangerously toward the chandelier but falls instead, leaving the Jellicles once again united as they watch Grizabella rise into the glowing morning light. As the gathering begins to disperse, Old Deuteronomy warmly welcomes Victoria into their family.
