High Society Review by Nina Jervis-Green

July 29, 2026

Thanks to Nina Jervis-Green from www.ninathewriter.com for this review.

First, a declaration. I have history with High Society. My grandparents adored the iconic 1956 film, so my sisters and I were introduced to it when we were kids. Not only did it become a firm family favourite, but when I grew up, I wanted to be Grace Kelly. (Spoiler alert: this didn’t happen).

So, when I say I found the stage musical a tad underwhelming, you’ll understand why I couldn’t have thought anything else. For some much-needed balance, my friend and companion, Sam – an apt name for this show! – hasn’t seen the film, but is a fan of Helen George (of Call the Midwife fame), who plays Kelly’s original role of Tracy Samantha Lord.

We meet Tracy as she prepares for her upcoming wedding, her family’s stately Long Island mansion – a gorgeous set by Tom Rogers – festooned with expensive gifts. Her mother and sister aren’t fans of the man she’s marrying, and would prefer it if she got back with her ex, Dexter Haven (a sprightly Julian Ovenden), instead. Then a third would-be suitor arrives in the form of a reporter, Mike Connor (Freddie Fox), who’s there to cover the wedding for his magazine.

Which one will win Tracy’s heart? You’re almost too charmed to care. Where the film was a cocktail of hard edges and emotional tension mixed with joyful giddiness, here the cast play their roles so genially that there’s no real conflict. In particular, David Seadon-Young’s endearingly geeky portrayal of Tracy’s fiancé, George Kittredge, means we feel sorry for him when we’re supposed to dislike him, which is a problem.

Meanwhile, Helen George plays Tracy with such generous helpings of heart and humour, you’re baffled as to why she is “called the fair Miss Frigidaire” (as Mike croons to her in You’re Sensational) at all. Mike himself forgets his chippy, working- class cynicism about “the idle rich” almost as soon as he’s through the door of the Lords’ mansion. Luckily, his photographer-companion Liz Imbrie (Carly Mercedes Dyer) keeps at least one eyebrow raised at the absurdity of it all throughout.

As the show floats merrily along, free of drama or tension, two essentials remain: dazzling costumes and stand-out songs. Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? and True Love are classics for a reason, while Dyer’s powerful rendition of I’ve Got You Under My Skin is a second-half highlight. Now You Has Jazz is a stand-out showpiece that features the vocal talents of Nigel Lindsay as Tracy’s cheeky Uncle Willie, with a talented ensemble of live jazz musicians and vibrantly-dressed dancers, in a heady feast for the senses.

As such, stalwart fans of the film – like me! – will still find much to enjoy here, as long as expectations are managed. This stage version may be as light as a feather, but it’s also great fun, with plenty of brand-new laugh-out-loud moments, as well as being just beautiful to watch.

As for Sam, her love for Helen George remains intact, and she declared the show to be “a lovely night out”. So, if you’ve got tickets then you can feel confident about going along… as originally and most beautifully planned!