The Stage

High Society

Published Tuesday 14 September 2004 at 11:05 by James Green

“You’re the tops,” wrote Cole Porter and that is exactly what he proves in this classic musical with his music and lyrics that have enchanted for almost half a century.

Now a new production of the show is off on a national tour and, to quote him again, “what a swell party this is”. It does not need a safety net as it cannot fail.

It is elegantly costumed in fifties style, has a mansion setting, and an excellent cast from the dozen downstairs domestic staff waiting at table right through to the dazzingly beautiful heiress, Tracey (Katherine Kingsley), who is about to be married. Kingsley - slender, shapely and singing equally as attractively - scores constantly through the scenes and is worthy of the True Love accolade.

Graham Bickley is her ex-husband Dexter Haven and is as puzzled as the rest of us as to how he could let her escape. Vital to the action are Paul Robinson and Ria Jones as the gossip magazine journalists Mike and Liz, who have wormed their way on to the wedding guest list.

They carry much of the storyline with Mike falling for Tracy before realising that Liz is the girl for him. While all the partners are sorting themselves out, Uncle Willie (Royston Kean) is enjoying himself chasing Liz, dancing and catching the eye and getting the laughs.

Lara Pulver as the teenage sister of Tracy enjoys herself continually, whether singing, dancing or stirring up romantic undercurrants, and Susie Blake makes a dignified mother of the wealthy Lord family.

With songs like High Society, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, I Love Paris, It’s All Right With Me, and the hilarious Say It With Gin, the cast have to struggle for impact. But they do and the audience roar their delight and no doubt leave humming a tribute to Porter.