REVIEW: High Society
Cole Porter’s classic musical comedy comes dancing onto the Birmingham stage in a slick and sexy production.
High Society is now playing at The Alexandra Theatre.
The legendary 1956 Hollywood screwball comedy film High Society, shot in glorious VistVision and Technicolor, received a truly rapturous reaction from filmgoers of the era who eagerly lapped up the glitzy star combination of Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra who sang and danced to Cole Porter’s fabulous music and lyrics.
A stage version eventually appeared on Broadway in the late 1990’s, and it’s now a regular feature in the West End.
The storyline may seem a bit flimsy but it’s the kind of fodder that modern audiences will be familiar with from their daily dose of scandal and gossip gleaned from intrusive social media platforms and the salacious tabloid press.
As the musical begins. a flamboyant lady named Tracy Lord, who has a huge following in social circles, is preparing for a very high-profile wedding. Not only is it a massive undertaking for Tracy, but it also happens to be her second wedding, and the upcoming marriage is arousing all sorts of gossip and rumours across Long Island society.
Tracy’s preparations are thrown into complete chaos when right out of the blue her ex-husband, who is a real charmer, turns up alongside a couple of tabloid reporters on the hunt for a juicy and spicy scoop that will shoot up sales of a magazine called Spy for which they work.
Cole Porter’s lyrics are sharp and full of wit, at times funny, at times poignant, but always frothy and stylish. The material comments on the emotional and personal cost made upon a person the further up the social ladder they climb. Songs such as Let’s Misbehave reveal the stark and sombre truth that lies beneath the fancy exterior of high society parties and the toll they extract from those who partake in these fancy gatherings where the drink flows freely and completely unchecked. The songs also reveal how characters can change when true romance and genuine love weave together to warm the human heart and a how new hope takes seed when social pressures and expectations are put aside.
Helen George (from the much-loved BBC drama series Call the Midwife) takes the role of Tracy which was played by the radiant Grace Kelly in the Hollywood film. George has huge shoes to fill and she does it with spades of charm and glamour, including some breathtaking dancing that sizzles and seduces the senses.
Freddie Fox, who has appeared in various films and television shows such as Pride, The Riot Club, House of the Dragon, Slow Horses, and Doctor Who, is sensational as Mike (the role played by Frank Sinatra in the film) and his vocals are stunning. This is a talent to watch and one hopes he takes a stab at another musical soon.
Julian Ovenden, who has appeared in dramas such as Bridgerton, The Forsyte Saga, Downton Abbey, and The Crown, is a revelation in the role of Dexter which was performed by Bing Crosby in the Hollywood movie. Ovenden has a beautiful aura about him that transports the mind back to the Golden Age of Hollywood musicals.
This stage version competes effortlessly with the famous film version with lavish set designs by Tom Rogers which includes two staircases that are on an epic scale, and the marble columned swimming pool will make you want to whip off your clothes in this infernal heat and take a dive into the cooling waters.
Jon Morrell should be handed an Olivier Award for the magnificent costume designs in this show which are spectacular and full of dreamy magic.
High Society is a delightful, glitzy and impeccable musical that offers undiluted joy.
Verdict: ★★★★★
High Society is now running at The Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham until Saturday 22nd August 2026
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