High Society: A Glorious Mix of Love, Lust, Laughter and Lavishness

Kat Slater Eat Your Heart Out

When musical extraordinaire High Society rolled into town, and the lovely folk at the Grand Opera House asked us along, we of course said yes.

Full disclosure, I love a musical but I knew absolutely nothing about this one. Then someone told me it was an old jazz musical, my heart dropped a bit - I'm not a fan of jazz (at all). But still, I went with an open mind.

Well, let me tell you... Bejezuz this is a quare story. Think the high class shennigans like the posh folk in Devious Maids, and the Dum-Dum-DuDuDum love triangles of East Enders. I'm telling you, Kat slater wouldn't get a look in!  

Set in a bygone golden era, fancy folk with the obligatory butler. Tracy (played by Hellen George of Call The Midwife fame) is a beautiful socialite getting ready for her second marriage, when all of a sudden her ex-husband drops in, followed by a pesky jourinalist (theres a story there too), throw in the bore-bag new fiance and we have the makings of a riotious love triangle, or, would that be a love square?

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The music in this production is fantastic, and you'll probably unknowingly know some of the songs - I ended up knowing about four or five of them. The vocals from the cast, oh don't get me started. Pure, raw, emotion! The actors, well you can't help getting behind them and rooting for them in each of their scenarios - that's how believable they are at their parts. Freddie Fox is journo who has an eye for Tracy, Julian Ovenden plays the ex-husband who the whole family still love, and David Seadon-Young perfectly portrays George, the new fiancé - he's an accountant (need I say more?).

The staging is simple but beautuful. No unnecessary video effects, just good old fashioned sets which perfectly bring you into each scene. Superbly demonstrating the oppulence of the upperclass environment. Wee note - wait for the tree, I want one in my house now!!!

Costumes and choreography, OMG. The colours, the gowns, the timing - all impeccable. I was literally in awe of the work of the costume designer (Jon Morrell) and choreographer (Anthony Van Loost). They really brought this show to life.

So, without ruining the side-storeys or the ending, let me just say I'm a convert, I'd defo go see High Society again. Great music and dancing, amazing acting, storyline twists and turns, and a few chuckles along the way.

So, without ruining the side stories or the ending, let me just say I’m a convert. I’d definitely go see High Society again. Great music, gorgeous dancing, brilliant acting, plenty of twists and turns and a few chuckles along the way. Check it out while it’s still here. Tickets are available from the Grand Opera House box office and online.

goh.co.uk