A truly star-studded cast, this ensemble delivers a must-see performance!
High Society is a gem amongst older musicals with a beautiful score by Cole Porter and a level of escapism you can only find in stories of this era. Based on the 1956 film of the same name (which itself was a remake of the play and film “The Philadelphia Story”), this tour follows a successful run at the Barbican Theatre, and has not lost any of its quality in the transfer. Currently playing at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow, this show is an absolute delight!
Maintaining almost entirely the same cast from the Barbican’s production, this is a superb collective talent. Helen George of course leads the cast as Tracy Lord, a somewhat polarising character who many, even her own family, view as uncompassionate. Though despite this, she has charm and wit that is channelled through George’s performance while also having a beautiful voice. Though she is wonderful throughout, her duet with Julian Ovenden’s Dexter Haven, “Once Upon A Time/True Love was simply sublime. Ovenden has a truly twinkly quality to him. Whether it’s acting or singing, he really dazzles when he performs, it’s something to behold. “Just One Of Those Things” didn’t feel like an actor onstage, Ovenden was Dexter in that moment and it’s a true testament to his craft as he laments over his relationship with Tracy. Mike and Liz, played by Freddie Fox and Carly Mercedes Dyer, deliver two of the best solos this show has to offer in “You’re Sensational” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, both emotionally vulnerable though in different ways. This duo are a highlight of the show, their banter and chemistry flowing seamlessly. While much of the show’s farse and humour is carried by the elder members of the Lord family, Dinah is without question the funniest character in this story and that is down to a perfect performance from Naomi Pacquette. Having been lucky enough to see the London production on opening night and having now seen this production twice, Pacquette’s embodiment of this role has been my favourite part of the experience on both occasions. Her comic timing is flawless and her flair for the dramatics will leave you laughing even after an annoyed family member has dragged her offstage. In moments when she’s in the background, Pacquette is always giving 100% and makes each moment a gift to the audience. She exudes charm in “I Love Paris” with her whimsical attempt at being a French mime.
The set is one of the most delightful things about High Society. It feels alive, vast, as a real mansion should. The twin stairwells make for a visually pleasing design and the way it shifts to different areas of the house is both well executed and adds to the scope of just how large the Lord’s house is and in turn, how wealthy they are. There are scenes in half a dozen different locations all in the same building, the outdoor scenes feeling especially lifelike with a tree which every actor couldn’t seem to help jumping over. The sensational costumes really embolden this idea of society and wealth as the lavish designs capture that 50s aesthetic with ease.
The core relationships are what help to really tie things into a neat bow for this show. The chemistry between characters like Tracy and Dexter feels passionate and loving at its core, despite Dexter being her ex-husband. Even Tracy and George feel very intimate. There are also bonds such as the Dinah and Dexter relationship, with Dinah at every turn trying to make it clear to everyone that her sister should be with Dexter. The dynamic between Tracy and Dinah is also one of great humour and often, mutual frustration though the affection they have for one another is clear. Despite the more contentious relationship between Tracy and her father over his marital indiscretions and the catalyst for much of the story, it ultimately comes from a place of hurt rather than hate. There are deep bonds between the characters we see in this show and it makes it all the more entertaining to watch.
Overall, High Society is filled with some exceptional music, casting and looks stunning! It’s also worth noting that the dance scenes are excellent. This production should not be missed!
This production is on at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow till 5th September and heads to the Edinburgh Playhouse next from 8th-12th September.