Questions & Answers: Skimbleshanks (The Railway Cat)

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical, “Cats,” based on T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats,” has introduced the world to a diverse clowder of feline characters, each with their own distinct personalities and stories. Among these is Skimbleshanks, known affectionately as the Railway Cat. Let’s delve into a series of questions and answers that explore the ins and outs of this beloved character.

Who is Skimbleshanks the Railway Cat?

Skimbleshanks is a character from T.S. Eliot’s poetry and the subsequent musical adaptation, “Cats.” He is portrayed as an orange tabby cat with a keen sense of responsibility and order. Skimbleshanks considers himself the overseer of the night train to Glasgow, ensuring everything runs smoothly and on time.

What role does Skimbleshanks play in “Cats”?

In the musical, Skimbleshanks is introduced as the caretaker of the night mail train. His song is an upbeat number that describes his duties and how he sees himself as an essential part of the train’s crew. He’s a meticulous cat who takes pride in his work, and his presence is seen as vital for the train’s successful operation.

Is Skimbleshanks based on a real cat?

T.S. Eliot is known to have taken inspiration from real-life cats for his poetry. While Skimbleshanks himself is a fictional creation, Eliot’s depiction of a railway cat may have been inspired by the many cats employed by railways in Britain to control rodents. These cats often became well-known characters to the staff and passengers.

What does Skimbleshanks symbolize?

Skimbleshanks can be seen as a symbol of the industriousness and reliability of those who work behind the scenes. His character celebrates the often-overlooked individuals who ensure operations run without a hitch. He brings attention to the idea that everyone has a significant role to play, no matter how small it may seem.

How is Skimbleshanks described in the poem?

In Eliot’s poem, Skimbleshanks is described as a neat and well-kept cat, with an air of importance. He’s depicted wearing “pepper-and-salt” trousers, which suggest a uniform, reinforcing his identity as a worker on the railway. The poem emphasizes his punctuality, dedication, and the affection the night mail train staff has for him.

What is the significance of Skimbleshanks’s routine?

Skimbleshanks’s strict routine underlines his commitment to his job and the comfort and security he provides to the passengers and crew. The predictability of his actions and the smooth running of the train are metaphors for the order he brings to what could otherwise be a chaotic environment. His routine also reflects the natural love of routine many cats exhibit.

How does Skimbleshanks interact with other characters?

In “Cats,” Skimbleshanks is generally amiable and well-liked among the other cats. He does not seem to have any particular rivalries or conflicts, which is consistent with his character as a cooperative and sociable member of the group.

What kind of dance is associated with Skimbleshanks in the musical?

The musical number for Skimbleshanks in “Cats” is characterized by high-energy tap dancing, which aligns with the rhythmic sounds of a train. The choreography usually involves the entire ensemble and mimics the movements of a train, with Skimbleshanks often at the center, leading the group.

Does Skimbleshanks have a shot at being reborn in the Heaviside Layer?

In the context of the musical, each cat vies for the chance to ascend to the Heaviside Layer, where they will be reborn into a new life. Skimbleshanks, with his dedication and service to others, could be seen as a worthy candidate. However, the story leaves the decision to Old Deuteronomy, the wise elder cat, and it’s not explicitly stated whether Skimbleshanks is chosen.

What is the Heaviside Layer?

The Heaviside Layer is a concept from the musical “Cats” that refers to a sort of cat heaven. It’s named after the real-life Heaviside layer of the Earth’s ionosphere, discovered by Oliver Heaviside, which reflects radio waves. In the musical, it’s a metaphorical place where cats go to be reborn.

How is the Heaviside Layer relevant to Skimbleshanks?

The Heaviside Layer, in the context of the musical, represents a form of cat paradise where one deserving cat is chosen to be reborn. Skimbleshanks’s commitment to his role could be seen as a virtue that qualifies him for such a reward.

What do audiences typically think of Skimbleshanks?

Audiences often find Skimbleshanks to be a charming and engaging character. His song is catchy, his dance is energetic, and his persona as a hardworking and reliable figure is relatable and endearing. He is usually a crowd favorite due to his positive attributes and the lively performance of his number.

Is there a deeper meaning to Skimbleshanks’s role?

Skimbleshanks, the Railway Cat from T.S. Eliot’s “Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats” and its musical adaptation, “Cats,” symbolizes the often overlooked but essential workers who keep everyday life running smoothly. His character embodies the reliability, order, and pride that come from diligent work behind the scenes.

As the caretaker of the night mail train, Skimbleshanks adds a layer of comfort and security to the world of the musical, highlighting the importance of routine and the value of each individual’s contributions to the functioning of society. His role is a tribute to the unsung heroes in our communities and serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of daily roles and the broader social fabric.