High Society Review: A Sparkling Revival Brings Golden Age Glamour to Cardiff
There is something undeniably comforting about a classic musical. They transport you to another era, where sharp wit, sweeping romance and unforgettable songs take centre stage. Last night, I was invited to review High Society at The New Theatre Cardiff, and this elegant revival proves that some stories never lose their charm.
Based on the beloved 1956 MGM film starring Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, High Society is a stylish romantic comedy packed with mistaken identities, family drama and plenty of laughter. Set among America's wealthy elite, the story follows socialite Tracy Lord (Helen George, Call The Midwife) as she prepares to marry for a second time. As her wedding day approaches, the unexpected arrival of her ex-husband Dexter Haven and magazine reporter Mike Connor (Freddie Fox, Apple TV Slow Horses & HBO House of The Dragon) throws everything into delightful chaos, leaving Tracy questioning what love really means.
From the moment the curtain rose, the production captured the sophistication of the era. Beautiful costumes, elegant set design and a lively orchestra created the feeling of stepping back into the glamour of the 1950s. Every scene flowed effortlessly, with Cole Porter's timeless score providing the perfect soundtrack to the unfolding romance.
Helen George is perfectly cast as Tracy Lord. She brings warmth and confidence to a character who could easily feel distant, allowing the audience to see both Tracy's independence and her vulnerability. George has a natural stage presence that draws you in, making Tracy's emotional journey feel genuine from beginning to end.
“sharp wit, sweeping romance and unforgettable songs”
Julian Ovenden delivers a wonderfully charismatic performance as Dexter Haven. His smooth vocals suit Cole Porter's music beautifully, and his chemistry with Helen George gives the production its emotional heart. Every scene they share reminds you why their complicated relationship remains one of musical theatre's great romances.
Freddie Fox is an absolute joy as journalist Mike Connor. His comic timing is spot on, bringing plenty of humour to the role while also revealing Mike's softer side as the story develops. His interactions with Carly Mercedes Dyer's Liz Imbrie are among the evening's highlights. Dyer brings intelligence and quiet confidence to Liz, creating a character who feels refreshingly grounded amid the extravagance surrounding her.
Nigel Lindsay steals more than a few scenes as the mischievous Uncle Willie. His effortless comedy had the audience laughing throughout the evening, offering some of the show's biggest moments of fun without ever overshadowing the story.
The supporting cast deserve equal praise. Josefina Gabrielle gives Tracy's mother a warmth that anchors the family dynamic, while Malcolm Sinclair brings authority and subtle humour as Seth Lord. Naomi Pacquette is delightful as Tracy's younger sister Dinah, injecting youthful energy whenever she appears, and David Seaton-Young provides plenty of entertaining moments as Tracy's determined fiancé George Kittredge.
Musically, the production is everything fans of classic Broadway could hope for. Cole Porter's songs remain as captivating today as they were decades ago. Numbers including Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Well, Did You Evah! and True Love are performed with style and confidence, earning enthusiastic applause throughout the evening. The orchestra deserves special recognition for bringing these iconic melodies to life with richness and elegance.
What makes High Society such an enduring favourite is its balance of humour and heart. Beneath the sparkling dialogue and lavish lifestyle is a story about love, forgiveness and discovering what truly matters. While modern audiences may notice that some social attitudes reflect the period in which the story was written, this production embraces its classic roots while allowing the timeless themes to shine through.
This is a production that feels wonderfully nostalgic without ever feeling dated. It celebrates the golden age of musical theatre and film while reminding audiences why these stories continue to captivate generation after generation.
Whether you're already a fan of the classic film or discovering High Society for the first time, this is a joyful evening at the theatre. Filled with memorable performances, timeless music and plenty of charm, it's an irresistible celebration of one of musical theatre's most elegant romantic comedies.
If you're looking for a feel-good night out in Cardiff, High Society at The New Theatre is well worth adding to your theatre calendar. It delivers laughter, romance and nostalgia in equal measure, making it a delightful reminder that the classics really do stand the test of time.
To get your tickets to High Society at The New Theatre, head on over to the website here
