High Society – Leeds Grand Theatre

Well, Did You Evah hear a more peerless collection of classic showtunes as High Society? 

Fans of other musicals will no doubt quibble with that claim, but Cole Porter composed at least three timeless songs for this reworking of double Oscar winning, The Philadelphia Story, which was also a hit movie starring Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Ol’ Blue Eyes.

This scrumptious production of High Society was hardly Shakespeare as spoilt New England socialite Tracy Lord was about to marry boring George, and her lovelorn ex-husband Dexter equally determined to get her back. Throw in a couple of undercover reporters, and a case of mistaken identity, and you had all the ingredients for a classic light hearted musical, but with wall to wall Porter masterpieces.

One of the main criticisms of today’s jukebox musicals had been that the book is often just a feeble way to get to the next big number, which was in part true of Arthur Kopit’s words. Kopit didn’t spend much time on character development in what was a short and fast moving show, but his book was laced with endless witty lines that elevated it, and to be honest it’s no hardship moving quickly onto the next Porter tune. 

Rachel Kavanaugh’s nimble direction kept this frothy piece moving at pace on Tom Rogers’ suitably grand set based around a sweeping staircase that filled this big stage, with some impressive fly pieces that dropped in and out as the action ramped up.

Before Call The Midwife fame Helen George was at the Royal Academy of Music, and all that training showed as she took on the Grace Kelly role with aplomb as she drove the company through an exuberant High Society. George was a clever actor neatly navigating the headstrong Tracy’s flimsy redemptive arc, and her energy in Let’s Misbehave was impressive.

Julian Ovenden had exactly the right amount of sardonic charm needed for the conniving but warm hearted Dexter. He was another musical theatre veteran and his duet with George on Once Up a Time/True Love was exquisite, and his solo on Once Apon A Time equally good. 

Another old stager the fabulous Nigel Lindsay ran riot playing the louche Uncle Willy as he led a uniformly strong ensemble through a thrilling Now You have Jazz as they made the most of Anthony Van Laast’s always sharp choreography. Newcomer Naomi Pacquette was great fun as Tracy’s kid sister Dinah, and she has a very bright future ahead of her.

Freddie Fox as undercover reporter Mike brought just enough of that Slow Horses cynicism that infused his lively duet with Overden on Well, Did You Evah? and showcased his strong singing voice. Carly Mercedes Dyer produced the vocal performance of the night as her reading of Gareth Valentine’s new arrangement of all time classic ballad I’ve Got You Under My Skin was full of pathos and unrequited love. The excellent live band under Dan McLaughlin managed to subtly meld Larry Blank and Mark Cumberland’s orchestrations with the rich source material.

In a world seemingly going mad the daft antics of posh folk in High Society proved to be a hugely entertaining antidote thanks to a very strong cast who made the most of Cole Porter’s undoubted genius.

High Society is Leeds Grand Theatre until Saturday August 29th. To book 01132430808 or www.leedsheritagetheatres.com

Reviewer: Paul Clarke

Reviewed: 25th August 2026

North West End UK Rating: