Theatre Review: High Society

High Society is based on the star studded classic film from 1956, which saw Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly and Bing Crosby belting out the Cole Porter numbers.

The story focuses on the forthcoming wedding of a wealthy socialite, Tracy Lord (played by Helen George) to a “boring” accountant, George Kittredge (played by David Seadon-Young). When Tracy’s ex, Dexter Haven (played by Julian Ovenden) shows up, rom-com type chaos ensues, including the necessary duplicitous identity switches to fool the press there to get a scoop.

It has a drunken uncle, a couple of nosy press people who aren’t from that world, a little sister who is over the top, and a mother who wrings her hands a lot.

The singing is beautiful, the dancing fun, the costumes on point. Arguably, the best number is the one led by Uncle Willie (played by Nigel Lindsay) “Now You Has Jazz,” which felt like the most authentic part of the show. Although the orchestra occasionally overpowers the actors during the songs (at least from the front rows), the high levels of talent were clear.

The show has its flaws though. The message that it’s okay to cuckold someone because he isn’t exciting is a bit outdated, and we ended up feeling bad for poor George, who was nice enough, unlike the toxic Dexter, who left to sail the world and then returned only when he found that his ex was remarrying. And of course, the mother takes back the philandering husband who had an affair because “it’s over now.”

There was also an odd lack of real chemistry between the romantic leads, their romance was pretty flat and the show leans on the dazzling choreography, Cole Porter score and flash to carry us through to see who Tracy ends up with.

If you’re looking for a bit of fun, some lovely clothing, and a slick hit of period nostalgia, this could be a nice night out for you. If you look beyond the dazzling visuals and music though, you may be a bit disappointed.

High Society plays at Nottingham's Theatre Royal until 7 November 2026.