Rum Tum Tugger

Rum Tum Tugger is one of the many feline characters in the poetry book "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" by T. S. Eliot and in the musical "Cats". "Cats" was inspired by Eliot's book, published in 1939.

The Rum Tum Tugger is a black tom cat with leopard spots on his chest, and a wild mane. In some Japanese productions, he is white. He is considered the ladies cat, and the rebel of the group. He loves the limelight, while at the same time he enjoys being seen as an individual by separating himself a little from the pack. He may be self-obsessed, but he has great respect for those who deserve it, such as Mr. Mistoffelees. The younger female kittens (Victoria, Etcetera, Electra and Jemima), and even some of the male kittens are in awe of him as well as some of the older queens, especially Bombalurina. He flirts openly with almost every female cat in the filmed version. Demeter does not seem to like him at all. This is shown in the filmed version. During The Awefull Battle Of The Pekes And The Pollicles, he plays the bagpipes.

Yes the Rum Tum Tugger is a curious cat: And it isn't any use for you to doubt it;: For he will do: As he do do::And there's no doing anything about it.

Paul Nicholas played the role on the West End and Terrence Mann originated the role in the Broadway version. Rum Tum Tugger is played by John Partridge in the "filmed version". In the 25th Anniversary tour of CATS, the role of Rum Tum Tugger was performed by Gary Watson. In the filmed version, he sings 'The Rum Tum Tugger', 'Magical Mr Mistofelees', and, along with Munkustrap he sings 'Old Deuteronomy'. In "Jellicle songs for Jellicle Cats, he sings "Can you say of your bite, that it's worse than your bark?" Also, in this scene, he doesn't have his mane, he has a different wig and is missing a few other things, they don't want him to stand out too much just yet. His first appearance with his mane and proper Rum Tum Tugger wig and accessories is in his own song (which he enjoys greatly - he gets to destroy the Gumbie Cat's fun.)

Andrew Lloyd Webber has stated that the part of the Tugger is intended to be an homage to Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. This homage is apparent in the way he moves on stage in the original Gillian Lynne choreography and the costume styling.His type of cat was said to be Maine Coon, because of his wild mane and being portrayed as being much bigger than the other cats. According to his song, he apparently would do pretty much anything to annoy his owners. He does not appear in many of the scenes, but when he does he usually has a solo.It could be said that he and Munkustrap are brothers, as both sing 'Old Deuteronomy' and that he is a son of Old Deuteronomy.