Review: High Society at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

★★★★

Cole Porter’s High Society returns to stages in its first major UK revival in over a decade, playing at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre direct from a sell-out run in London’s West End. The lavish musical comedy features book by Arthur Kopit, and adapts Porter's score for the 1956 film of the same name, with additional lyrics by Susan Birkenhead.

Based on the play 'The Philadelphia Story' by Philip Barry, High Society whisks audiences off to Oyster Bay, where socialite Tracy Lord is planning an extravagant summer wedding to accountant George Kittredge. The unwanted arrival of ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven, as well as tabloid reporters Mike Connor and Liz Imbrie threaten to disrupt proceedings.

Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, the production stars a large ensemble cast, as family, staff and wedding guests swirl around the extravagant estate. The setting is brought to life with an incredibly grand set design (Tom Rogers), worthy of its socialite circles, which centres an elaborate base and utilises set pieces, lifted in and out, to transition from the house, to the pool, the grounds.

Helen George (Call the Midwife, The King and I) leads as glamorous socialite Tracy Lord, and she is joined by stage and screen favourites: Freddie Fox (Slow Horses) as Mike Connor, Nigel Lindsay (Kiss Me, Kate) as Uncle Willie, Julian Ovenden (South Pacific) as Dexter Haven, and Malcolm Sinclair (Pie in the Sky) as Seth Lord.

Josefina Gabrielle stars as Mother Lord, David Seadon-Young as George Kittredge, and James Hume as Chester. Naomi Pacquette is sarcastically comedic and fantastically fun as Tracy’s younger sister, Dinah Lord. While Carly Mercedes Dyer is an absolute stand-out as Liz Imbrie with humorous lines punctuated perfectly by facial expressions, and exceptional vocals in songs like I’ve Got You Under my Skin.

Featuring a mix of theatre jazz, upbeat swing and romantic ballads, the musical’s score traverses from smooth and thoughtful numbers to lively tunes laced with humour. The music is accompanied by big dance moments, with elegant ballroom dancing and stately waltzes, as well as fast-paced rhythmic choreography (Anthony Van Laast) in the jazz and swing numbers. All of which pops with colourful and whirling movement thanks to costuming by Jon Morrell.

The musical’s script itself, a story of secrets, scandal, lust and love, much like many of the tunes, is full of witty lines, biting gossipy humour and an exploration of relationships and family dynamics.

A glamourous, playful and entertaining musical with soaring vocals, splendid design and sharp repartee, High Society is the soirée of the season. High Society plays at The Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 22nd August, so, join the party and book tickets before it closes.

This review was written following a press invite to the production.

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