High Society (Southampton)

High Society is a swanky revival of Cole Porter’s glitzy, timeless classic.

It’s an amusing story. Rich socialite, Tracy Lord (Sophie Bould ) prepares for her wedding to dreary, humourless fiancé George Kitteridge (Keiron Crook), while still smitten ex-husband, Dexter Haven (Michael Praed – looking every inch the American socialite) attempts to undermine it.

Add to the mix frustrated writer- the charming Mike Connor (Daniel Boys)- trying to get a scoop… and his besotted photographer assistant, Liz Imbrie (Alex Young); an extremely precocious, younger sister, a lascivious uncle and a chorus of footmen and maids, and we have a recipe for a lot of fun, leaving the audience guessing, who will ultimately become the bridegroom!

Adapted from the 1956 film starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and {Frank Sinatra] High Society bubbles with familiar ballads, like“True Love”, movingly duetted on stage by Bould & Praed. The opening scene, along with the initial musical number “High Society”, showcases Sophie Bould – who, as Tracy, oozes class, and with a natural elegance, commands the stage, and the sequence itself cleverly spotlights Francis O`Connor`s beautiful set and Andrew Wright`s expert choreography. The impressive, slick style of the show is quickly set, and we are beguiled with fabulous renditions of beautiful, old standards: “What Is This Thing Called Love?”, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?”, “Let’s Misbehave”, “Just One Of Those Things”, “He`s The Right Guy”, to name but a few.

Newcomer Katie Lee (playing the irritating, younger sibling Dinah), has starred in three West End musicals and performs with ease in this show. A real star in the making!

Stand-out performances from the larger than life Teddy Kempner, who embraces the role of Uncle Willie, chasing Liz in a funny but grotesque way, and giving his all in “She`s Got That Thing” has the audience in hysterics. The brilliant Alex Young sings and acts her way through the show with-out missing a beat, keeping us enthralled as the story flows fluidly through this seamless `feel good’, show to a wonderfully, vibrant finale.

A glorious night of vintage Hollywood.