Review: High Society (musical) UK Tour, Glasgow | A classy production of a classic musical
Updated: Sep 3
Following a summer season at London's Barbican Theatre, a new production of Cole Porter's musical High Society is now on UK tour. Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and starring 'Call the Midwife's' Helen George, High Society plays at Glasgow's King's Theatre from 1st to 5th September before it heads to Edinburgh Playhouse the following week. Read my review below.
High Society ★★★⯪☆
Review: 1 September 2026 | King's Theatre, Glasgow
Following an 8-week summer season at London's Barbican Theatre, a new production of Cole Porter's musical High Society is now on a major tour of the UK and Ireland. Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and starring 'Call the Midwife's' Helen George, High Society features a 28-strong cast and a live band who bring the dazzling golden age of musical theatre to life in this sumptuous new stage production.
Based on the 1956 film that starred Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra, which itself was based on Philip Barry's play The Philadelphia Story, the stage musical High Society is set in 1938 (as opposed to the 1950s of the film). With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Arthur Kopit, High Society follows American socialite Tracy Lord (Helen George) on the eve of her lavish wedding to the respectable but dull George Kittridge (David Seadon-Young).
Tracy's pre-wedding plans become complicated when her ex-husband Dexter (Julian Ovenden) arrives at her sprawling Newport mansion, as well as two journalists from the gossip magazine Spy - Mike (Freddie Fox) and Liz (Carly Mercedes Dyer) - who hope to uncover scandalous stories at the swanky party. Tracy is, however, on to the undercover reporters, so to protect her family, she messes with them by acting strange and by introducing her Uncle Willie as her dad Seth and vice versa. As well as other high jinks.
If that all sounds a bit farcical, well it is; the plot thrives on chaos and confusion. The narrative is thin by modern musical theatre standards, but High Society's enduring appeal lies in the compelling central rom-com story of Tracy and her harrowing choice of three wealthy, attractive men on the eve of her wedding.
High Society is a stylish and sweet story with a real golden-era, classic Hollywood feel. It offers a gentle, comforting night out at the theatre. The musical's low-stakes charm is elevated in the new UK tour production by Rachel Kavanaugh's creative direction, the opulent staging and gorgeous visuals, and of course, by Porter's timeless toe-tapping music.
Cole Porter's sparkling songs from the film's original score are augmented in the musical by other songs from his back catalogue. The iconic hits from the film, 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' and 'True Love' are joined by famous Porter melodies such as 'I've Got You Under My Skin' and 'I Love Paris.' All are masterfully performed with a high-spirited energy by the live band, members of which at times become the onstage Jazz band. The music is a joy from beginning to end.
Kavanaugh expertly keeps the action moving with modern, fluid transitions between scenes. While Anthony Van Laast's energetic choreography ensures the ensemble numbers sparkle with life. It's a shame there are so few opportunities to include them, though both Act I and Act II are satisfactorily brought to a close by big, uplifting, crowd-pleasing dance numbers.
Jon Morrell's glittering costumes are exquisitely detailed, with a gorgeous variety of jewel coloured dresses adorning the dancers. Tom Rogers' lavish set is lit to perfection by Howard Hudson's gorgeous, sultry hues, while the expert use of follow spots and accent lighting adds to the luxurious atmosphere. The visuals in this show are a highlight and a treat.
Carly Mercedes Dyer & Freddie Fox Helen George Julian Ovenden & Freddie Fox
Another highlight is the stellar cast. I can rarely think of another UK tour production to arrive in Glasgow with so many high-profile actors.
Helen George - famous for playing Trixie on BBC's hit Call the Midwife - is radiant and bubbly in the lead role of Tracy Lord. Nigel Lindsay is hilarious as "gin-soaked" Uncle Willie, and is responsible for most of the big laughs of the evening.
Theatre star Carly Mercedes Dyer is a standout. She doesn't have a huge amount to do as journalist Liz, but she leads two of the biggest numbers of the night - ' Who Wants to Be a Millionaire' and ' I've Got You Under My Skin' - with exquisite voice and effervescent energy.
Freddie Fox, in his musical theatre debut, has a charming stage presence, fine voice and impressive dance skills. It's impossible to look away from him. While Julian Ovenden, a very well-established West End and Broadway performer, is magnetic as ex-husband Dexter- his rich tenor voice electrifying.
The pairing of Fox and Ovenden is a revelation. If their Act-two opening duet 'Well Did You Evah?' is anything to go by, this pair would clean up with a cabaret concert on the musical theatre circuit.
High Society delivers a swellegant, elegant treat with a polished production and star-studded cast offering a reverential nod to the 1950s film. The dazzling, high-calibre production is better than the mild-mannered material on this occasion, but fans of the film should be delighted with its nostalgic, comforting familiarity.
A classy production of a classic musical. ★★★⯪☆
MORE: Did you know that High Society has links to Ayrshire in Scotland? Read more about how the central character of Tracy Lord was inspired by a real-life socialite whose family had emigrated from Ardrossan here
High Society plays at the King's Theatre, Glasgow until Saturday 5th September and at Edinburgh Playhouse from 8 - 12 September, before it continues on UK tour
Book tickets here: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/high-society/
Find more Scottish theatre news and reviews at www.lisainthetheatre.com
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