Origins
Jellylorum was originally the subject of a T. S. Eliot poem entitled "The Naming of Cats". The character's name is believed to mean "lillie cat", "wisdom" or "tradition".Character
Jellylorum is a practical and motherly older cat. She is one of the adult characters who initially protects the kittens from Grizabella, though she later comes to accept the latter. Jellylorum serves as a caretaker for the elderly Gus: The Theatre Cat, and the two sing a duet in the second act of the musical. Jellylorum is also frequently shown as being close friends with Jennyanydots and Skimbleshanks. On stage, Jellylorum is usually depicted as a predominantly yellow Calico cat, calico or tabby cat. The character's age varies according to the production; many productions have Jellylorum near the age of Bombalurina (cat), Bombalurina and Demeter (cat), Demeter, but others portray the character as slightly older. In the Cats (1998 film), 1998 filmed version, Jellylorum is closer in age to Jennyanydots.Songs
In ''Cats (musical), Cats'', Jellylorum has four main singing parts: * In "The Old Gumbie Cat" Jellylorum is part of the female chorus often called the "Gumbie Trio". * In "Bustopher Jones: the Cat About Town" Jellylorum is one of three female soloists. * In "Gus: the Theatre Cat" Jellylorum sings a duet with Gus the Theatre Cat, Gus. * In "Growltiger's Last Stand" Jellylorum performs the part of Griddlebone in most productions. The role of Jellylorum is principally a vocalist part and is played by a soprano who is able to hit high C.Notable casting
The role of Jellylorum was originated by Susan Jane Tanner in the original West End theatre, West End production in 1981, and by Bonnie Simmons in the original Broadway theatre, Broadway production in 1982. Other notable performers to have played the character include: Iselin Alme (Oslo, original cast); Susana Zabaleta (Mexico City, original cast); Sara Jean Ford (2016 Broadway revival, original cast). On screen, Tanner reprised the role in the Cats (1998 film), 1998 filmed version. Freya Rowley played the role in the Cats (2019 film), 2019 film adaptation.The role has also been played by Robyn Chambers.References
{{Cats navbox Characters in Cats (musical) Fictional cats Literary characters introduced in 1981