When Francesca Hayward found out she was going to star in a film based on Cats, she was taken aback. "Tom Hopper called me and I was stunned," Hayward said before the film's New York premiere. "I know it's a huge honor, but I don't know what's going to happen. Once the longest-running musical in Broadway history and one of composer Andrew Lloyd Weber's most famous classics, the musical offers performers a unique opportunity to step into a magical world— one ruled by singing and dancing cats.
The story may be highly conceptual, but it couldn't be more appropriate for Hayward. As principal ballet dancer at the Royal Ballet of London, she played the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and Princess Aurora in Sleeping Beauty. However, playing the elegant Jarric cat Victoria gave her the opportunity to show off her strengths. The 27-year-old actress is among the new casts of Oscar winner Judy Dench, Jennifer Hudson and Taylor Swift. The film provides the Nairobi-born star with a great on-screen introduction and the opportunity to showcase his talents in a new medium.
The world premiere of one of this year's most anticipated films is naturally something to celebrate, and Hayward wanted a look that captured that energy. Designer Carla Welch picked out a custom Miu Miu dress for her that made her feel like a star. On the red carpet in Alice Tully Hall, Hayward feels petite yet moving in front of the famous actors she co-stars, but she hopes that all the exciting experiences related to cats will also resonate with audiences. "I want the audience to be inspired by the dances in the film," she said. "I want them to leave the theater not only want to sing, but also dance!"
My gorgeous Miao Miao dress! I fell in love with it. Thank you, Karla [Welch],
A talented charismatic team, with hair stylist Jose Perez and makeup artist Talia Sparrow at work.
I love my new Victoria Beckham beauty products. It lasted all night!
Want a glass of champagne?
And cheers to talented agents Helen and Adam.
Can't resist the temptation of the Christmas tree.
Can we take a moment to appreciate the premiere vehicles?
Let's take a close-up
Red carpet.
Enjoy this activity!