Review by Mark
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review.
Direct from a summer run at the Barbican in London, High Society brings the most swell party of the year to Nottingham’s Theatre Royal. Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh with slick choreography by Anthony Van Laast, this lavish production is an absolute feast for the eyes, boasting a gorgeous visual aesthetic and a gorgeous Cole Porter score rich with classic hits.
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| The cast of High Society. Photo by Pamela Raith Photography. |
Admittedly, the plot is paper-thin, a light, frothy farce following glamorous socialite Tracy Lord as her impending nuptials descend into chaotic romantic entanglements and tabloid mischief. Yet, any narrative slenderness is effortlessly eclipsed by a top-tier cast that proves completely irresistible from start to finish.
At the centre of it all, Helen George shines as Tracy Lord, bringing effortless charm and poise to the role made famous by Grace Kelly in the 1956 screen version. George effortlessly balances Tracy’s icy, high-society composure with an underlying warmth and vulnerability as her world turns upside down. George sings and dances with great class.
Freddie Fox brings a sharp, playful energy to tabloid reporter Mike Connor. He plays Connor’s initial disdain for the wealthy with great comic timing, gradually softening as he gets swept up in Tracy’s world. Fox is matched by an ever-radiant Carly Mercedes Dyer as Liz Imbrie; she truly glows every time she is on the stage.
Julian Ovenden is effortlessly smooth as Tracy’s ex-husband, Dexter Haven. Bringing a relaxed charm and rich vocals to the stage, he anchors the romantic drama with a quiet confidence. His chemistry with Helen George feels completely natural. Their duet of 'True Love' is a musical highlight.
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| Julian Ovenden as Dexter Haven and Helen George as Tracy Lord. Photo by Pamela Raith Photography |
Nigel Lindsay, Josefina Gabrielle, and Malcolm Sinclair lend rich comic weight to the household. Lindsay is hilarious as the booze-loving, mischief-making Uncle Willie, while Sinclair’s stern, hypocritical Seth Lord offers a sharp foil to Gabrielle’s gracefully unflappable Mother Lord. Together, the trio handles the show’s farce with great timing and precision.
The production carries an undeniable elegance, moving with a slick, sophisticated grace brought to life by choreographer Anthony Van Laast. His polished movement matches the production's gorgeous visual aesthetic of Tom Rogers' set design, Jon Morrell's costumes and Howard Hudson's lighting.
Cole Porter’s score remains the vibrant beating heart of the show, filled with classic hits like "Well, Did You Evah!", "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" and "Just One Of Those Things." Brought to life by a magnificent live 12-piece band under Dan McLaughlin’s musical direction, the new arrangements by Gareth Valentine with orchestrations by Larry Blank and Mark Cumberland bounce with big-band energy and rich sophistication, driving the production forward with unmistakable Porter swagger.
Whilst that plot makes the first half stutter a little, the production does really hit its stride in the second half. Ultimately, with its sparkling lead performances, sublime band, and timeless Cole Porter score, it delivers a brilliantly entertaining night out at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal. It may be light on narrative weight, but as a lavish, high-spirited spectacle, it's richly entertaining.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
High Society runs at Nottingham's Theatre Royal until Saturday 7th November 2026. Limited tickets remain, for booking visit https://www.trch.co.uk/whats-on/high-society-r4w7
The tour concludes at the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne running from 10th until 14th November 2026. Visit https://highsocietymusical.com/ for more information and to book tickets.
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| Julian Ovenden as Dexter Haven and Freddie Fox as Mike Connor. Photo by Pamela Raith Photography |
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