Review of High Society at Ilkley Playhouse

Review by Patrick McGuckin

The cast of high society brought warmth to the foulest and wettest of nights when it opened on Monday. You can't really go wrong with Cole Porter. It was great to hear classic songs sung in the context of a musical. 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire', 'Let's Misbehave', 'Well, Did You Evah', 'I love Paris' and many others will be familiar to the audience.

There is a simple narrative as we join high society socialite Tracy Lord on the eve of her wedding to the unsuitable, humourless George. Dashing, exciting ex-husband Dexter reappears which makes her think again. Her pre-wedding jitters are further ratcheted up by t her encounter with the reporter Mike whom she also falls for whilst giddy on champagne. Thus the stage is set for mix-ups, drunken pursuits and accidental discoveries punctuated by enjoyable and catchy songs.

Amy Jagger certainly brings as much glamour to the role of Tracy as Grace Kelly ever did in the film version. Her costumes, from jodhpurs to ball gowns to pyjamas are all worn with elegance. She is also a great singer, as is Rob Edwards who plays Dexter. His vocal performance was one of the many stand out elements of the evening. He played the character with a charm that was certainly convincing as a reason for Tracy Lord to think again.

There are some great comic elements in this show. Damien O'Keeffe channels the essence of former prime minister John Major to play the unfortunate would be groom George. Tony Wade once again shows his ability for clown like comedy in his portrayal of the drunkard Uncle Willie. The character Dinah as the precocious sister of Tracy Lord provides amusement throughout the show. This is especially the case when the two sisters put on an excruciating rendition of 'I Love Paris' which will instantly connect with anyone who has had to sit through a 'show' put on in the living room by eager children.

Susan Wilcock and Mike Connor bring wit and farce to the proceedings with their portrayal of the two incognito journalists in the pursuit of a High Society scoop.

The set is once again superb. Art deco jazz architecture is the theme. The audience can see the excellent band at the back of the stage during the entire show through a geometric arch lattice.

There is a large cast of supporting dancers and singers playing the staff attending to the family's needs. They gossip behind their backs at the absurdity it is all too easy to find oneself in when affairs of the heart and champagne are mixed.

The main stars of the show however are Cole Porter's music and lyrics entwined in an ultimately uplifting story which will send you out into the night with a warm feeling that only Ready Brek can usually bring.