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BrumHour saw High Society at the invite of The Alexandra.
By Dave Massey
High Society at The Alexandra
⭐⭐⭐⭐Elegant and entertaining
Directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, music and lyrics by Cole Porter, book by Arthur Kopit with additional lyrics by Susan Birkenhead
Set in the late 1930s in a lavish American family home, Mike (Freddie Fox) and Liz (Carly Mercedes Dyer) are a reporter and photographer from a magazine who attempt to go undercover at the Lord household. Tracy (Helen George) is getting married to George (David Seadon-Young), but ex-husband Dexter (Julian Ovenden) has returned – sober – from travelling, and there are still feelings left there.
The single static set has flowing dual staircases and a high balcony. It forms a charming backdrop for a swimming pool, outside on a terrace, a main reception grand room and a storeroom filled with quirky props. The costumes are stunning, from the flowing dresses to the men’s penguin suits, and the hair/wigs really evoke a classical era.
There’s a gentle, intelligent humour to this production which is filled with great music, from the Cole Porter songbook including Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, I Love Paris, Be A Clown and Let’s Do It.
Birmingham’s own Helen George is a confident and stylish lead, whilst Julian Ovenden is great as her lovelorn ex-husband. It’s fun to see each of the quite ensemble cast getting their own moments. Carly Mercedes Dyer and Freddie Fox are a lot of fun as the undercover reporting team.
Elegant and entertaining, High Society is at The Alexandra until 22nd August 2026. Book tickets here: atgtickets.com/shows/high-society/the-alexandra-theatre-birmingham.
