Playing Possums

Bustopher Jones is a character from “Old Possums’s Book of Practical Cats” – a collection of light, whimsical poems by T.S. Eliot about feline psychology and sociology.

A parody of an Edwardian gentleman of leisure, Bustopher is a smart cat “with a coat of fastidious black” and “white spats”, immaculately groomed and well turned out, and with a particular interest in fine dining.

The musical score is based on two themes: a jaunty melody reminiscent of an English folk song, which reflects Bustopher’s genial, cheerful personality as he strolls about town: and a hymn-like melody which illustrates the dignified nature of our dapper hero.

Bustopher Jones Goes to Town was selected as a set work in the 2024 Brisbane Music Fest.