Sadly, in the video version of CATS, Veerle Casteleyn, who played Jemima, was among the few actors to be dubbed. While Helen Massey, the lady who dubbed her, certainly has a nice voice, I
personally prefer Veerle's own voice, and so do many other fans. Veerle's voice is younger and sweeter and suits both Jemima's character and her own appearance better than Helen's darker, richer
voice, which certainly sounds pleasant, but doesn't fit Jemima.
Jemima, or Sillabub as she is known in most productions, is certainly among the most popular characters in the musical CATS. She is a general favourite, and she is my personal favourite. This site will be entirely dedicated to her.
The name Jemima means "little dove" and unlike most of the other Jellicle names, it's not especially uncommon with real people. Sillabub, however, is a made-up name and means as much as "silly devil". It's interesting how different those two names are, although they usually describe the same character. In some productions, Jemima and Sillabub are not the same figure, in some fan theories, too. We will never know for sure, but in general, they share their parts and their costumes. And both of them are certainly lovely.
Jemima is most likely the youngest of the Jellicles and certainly among the most innocent and sweet. However, through some times of silliness, she can be very serious and she has a wisdom beyond her years, shown in being among the first Jellicles to accept Grizabella back to the tribe.
Jemima is supposed to be a very strong dancer and to have beautiful, sweet soprano voice. She is short and fragile and has the most adorable costume and make up of all the Jellicles.
Jemima is friends with the other kittens and especially close to Victoria. She is also generally assumed to be Demeter and Munkustrap's daughter.
In London, 1981, the part of Jemima was originated by Sarah Brightman, who I personally still regard as one of the best actresses and singers to play her part. She is quite underrated in my
opinion, as her voice was clear as a crystal back then.
I have here her versions of Moonlight (from Moments of Happiness) and Daylight (from Memory II) from the Original London Cast Recording.
Jemima was certainly among the first Jellicles that caught my attention, back in 2009 when I became quite a Fanatical Cat. Her sweet voice, her adorable looks and her likeable personality make her a big fan favourite and I am as captivated by her as everyone else.
My favourite actresses to play Jemima (or Sillabub) are Veerle Casteleyn, Sarah Brightman and Alyse Davie. But I don't think there could ever be a Jemima or a Sillabub who'd disappoint me. They are all too lovable!
Personally, I consider Demeter and Munkustrap to ber her parents, the Rum Tum Tugger and Macavity to be her paternal uncles (probably Alonzo, too), Bombalurina to be her maternal aunt and Old Deuteronomy to be her grandfather, while Grizabella is probably her grandmother, both paternal. I ship her with Mr Mistoffelees, who I see as her best friend Victoria's brother, as I ship Victoria with Plato.
I see Jemima and Sillabub as the same cat, even though I have a feeling that Sillabub is supposed to be a tiny bit older, yet less mature than Jemima.
I love to draw her, in cat and human form. I love to make graphics of her or to sing her parts. Jemima is certainly among my most loved fictional characters of all time and I never get tired of adoring her.
I am also never annoyed by her. Just like Victoria (especially Victoria! that poor thing...) Jemima does get called a Mary Sue. Well, I tell you: She is not. And even if she was, she would still be lovable.
Turn your face to the Moonlight...
