High Society – Bord Gáis Energy Theatre – Review

HIGH SOCIETY – Produced by Trafalgar Entertainment
Dates – 20 – 24 October 2026

Find out more about the Production here.

Tracy Lord (Helen George) is about to make what may be the biggest mistake of her life: marrying George (David Seadon-Young), a thoroughly unexciting accountant. Her ex-husband, Dexter (Julian Ovenden), arrives at the doors of their opulent mansion and is surprisingly greeted with smiles all round. He has been sailing for an indeterminate length of time but has now returned for reasons that remain unclear. With the wedding fast approaching, a series of parties and social gatherings brings together the great and the good. Running alongside this, we meet Liz (Carly Mercedes Dyer) and Mike (Freddie Fox), two undercover journalists sent to write an exposé on the Wedding of the Year. Their task is complicated by the fact that the family are already wise to their scheme and feed them a variety of lies to keep them at arm’s length from the truth.

The 1956 film High Society is a classic musical of its era, starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra, alongside Louis Armstrong. It was also Kelly’s final film role before she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco. Featuring music and lyrics by Cole Porter, the film includes several songs that have since become classics in their own right, among them Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Well, Did You Evah! and Now You Has Jazz.

This stage musical shares many elements with the film but is a separate adaptation, written by Arthur Kopit and based on Philip Barry’s original play, The Philadelphia Story. While retaining Porter’s music, the stage version expands on the repertoire of the film, incorporating songs such as I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Let’s Misbehave and Say It with Gin.

The production began its life at the Barbican, which has been the starting point for a number of interesting musical productions in recent years. This touring version retains much of the original cast and arrives in Dublin for a week before continuing its journey to venues around the UK.

The musical is not overly concerned with plot or characterisation, and there are several confusing elements that the audience must simply accept at face value. While the family’s affection for Dexter is obvious, it is less clear why they are so enamoured of this smooth-talking former alcoholic. Whereas Tracy’s fiancé, George, gets nothing but abuse. We’re repeatedly told that George is boring, but this seems a little harsh on a man who appears to be ostensibly good-natured. It’s not a night for a close examination of the character’s moral ambiguities. Fortunately, the production has other strengths, offering plenty of spectacle, charisma and many memorable songs.

The centrepiece is a drunken night during which the characters stumble on and off stage, moving through a series of impressive settings. Set designer Tom Rogers deserves credit for the visual splendour, while Anthony Van Laast’s choreography keeps the stage alive with movement. The large ensemble cast adds to the sense of occasion, bringing plenty of charm to the proceedings. The women’s long dresses billow beautifully as they spin across the stage. If you are looking for a lavish production with a strong sense of period style, High Society certainly delivers on the glamour of its era. It’s not a production that will convert anyone to musicals, but if you’re a fan of the genre, it will hit all the right notes.