Review: HIGH SOCIETY, Richmond Theatre

High Society has a chequered past as a stage show; even Richard Eyre failed at adapting Cole Porter's 1956 film. However, the last outing in 2015 at the Old Vic sparkled under Maria Friedman's direction and now the amateur theatre company BROS takes on the challenge at Richmond theatre.

The show is a frothy comedy of society manners; the action revolving around the preparations for the wedding of glamourous Long Island socialite Tracy Lord to pretentious executive George.

Things are complicated by the sudden return of Dexter, the ex-husband she still harbours feelings for. With the appearance of undercover tabloid reporters, an estranged father and too much champagne, who will end up marrying whom?

Tracy is played with great sparkle and assured confidence by Heather Stockwell. She has a graceful elegance and a lovely tone and intonation to her singing voice. Nick Moorhead is also very good as Tracy's discarded first husband Dexter. He has a casual and louche manner, perfect for the role, along with a smooth and melodious singing voice. The pair have great chemistry and spark well off each other as they flirt and banter.

On press night Tracy's mischievous sister Dinah was played with impish delight by Rebecca Nordin. Her rendition of "I Love Paris" with Stockwell is very funny and she has just the right amount of precocious naughtiness.

There are some other good performances; reporters Mike and Liz are played with enthusiasm by Jacob Botha and Bex Wood. Wood in particular has a great voice and nice comic turn. Their rendition of the famous "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" is sharp and funny.

Among the rest of the cast there is a general struggle to maintain consistent American accents, which is grating. There is also a lack of projection at points.

What really makes the show, though, are Cole Porter's magical songs that combine clever lyrics and catchy tunes. Versions of "Let's Misbehave" and "She's Got That Thing" are playful and very entertaining. Having live music is always a big bonus and the BROS band are both talented and animated.

The dancing and performance are of equal importance and here the success is mixed. Jennifer Moorhead's choreography is vibrant and executed with accuracy by the ensemble who are clearly having a great time. However, a dream ballet section during "True Love" is rather awkward, and generally there could be a bit more energy in the dancing to show off both the choreography and the talents of the performers.

The look and feel of the show should be sumptuous opulence. Mike J Leopold's set design is cleverly adaptable in showing various scenes set in front of an upper-class American mansion. The transition from the swimming pool to the study is particularly well done. Suzy Deal's costumes are also well thought out, with excellent hair and makeup by Louise Ellard-Turnbull.

This is an enjoyable evening and an impressive show when considering that it comes from, after all, an amateur theatre company.

High Society is at Richmond Theatre until 3 November

Photo Credit: Paul Nicholas Dyke

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