Skimbleshank the Railway Cat: Musical Analysis Quiz

Skimbleshank the Railway Cat: From Cats Musical to Literary and Theatrical Icon

In the rich tapestry of the iconic musical Cats, a feline character, Skimbleshank, captivates audiences with his intricate role in the show's narrative. This article delves into Skimbleshank's impact, analyzing his importance within the musical adaptation, character development, plot, and the poetic depth of his presence.

Skimbleshank's Role in the Cats Musical

Skimbleshank, aka The Railway Cat, is a rumored yeti-like feline who bestows supernatural powers upon the Jellicle Cats. He appears during the musical's central "Jellicle Ball," where he bestows his blessing upon the winning cat chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer. Skimbleshank's presence is elusive, rarely visible on stage, but his influence is felt through the mystical Jellicle Choice.

Musical Adaptation

Skimbleshank's character was added to the 1981 musical adaptation of T.S. Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats." In the original book, Eliot does not mention a Railway Cat, but the musical production's creators, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Trevor Nunn, and Gillian Lynne, envisioned a mysterious and enigmatic feline to symbolize the Jellicle cats' mysterious and magical nature.

Character Analysis

Skimbleshank is a mythical figure with a powerful presence and an enigmatic aura. He is the epitome of the mysterious cat, shrouded in the unseen yet felt influence upon the Jellicle Cats. His enigmatic and elusive nature adds to the mystical atmosphere of the Jellicle Ball and the Jellicle Choice.

Plot Summary

Skimbleshank makes his appearance at the Jellicle Ball, where the Jellicle Cats gather to compete for the annual Jellicle Choice. He bestows his blessing upon the winning cat, which is Old Deuteronomy, who then ascends to the Heaviside Layer to be reborn. Skimbleshank's appearance and influence are brief but impactful, adding to the show's mystical atmosphere and narrative.

Poetry Analysis

Though Skimbleshank does not appear in Eliot's "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats," his character aligns with the book's poetic themes of the supernatural, mystery, and the magical nature of cats. Skimbleshank's appearance in the musical adaptation adds depth to these themes, personifying the mysterious and magical essence of the Jellicle Cats.

In conclusion, Skimbleshank the Railway Cat is a mesmerizing and enigmatic feline character who adds a layer of mystique and magic to the Cats musical. His influence is felt, though rarely seen, and his presence personifies the Jellicle Cats' mysterious and magical nature. Skimbleshank's role in the musical adaptation and his poetic alignment with Eliot's original work elevate this character to an iconic status within the world of Cats.