Cardiff theatregoers are in for a treat this week as a sparkling new production of High Society takes to the stage at the New Theatre, bringing Cole Porter’s classic songs and sharp wit to Welsh audiences.
The musical, based on the 1956 film that starred Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, has long been a favourite among fans of the golden age of American comedy. This fresh staging does the source material proud, delivering a polished and thoroughly enjoyable night out that had the Cardiff crowd eating out of its hand.
For those unfamiliar with the story, High Society follows the glamorous Tracy Lord as she prepares to remarry, only for her charming ex-husband to show up alongside a pair of tabloid journalists sent to cover the wedding. What follows is a whirlwind of romantic confusion, sharp one-liners and some genuinely gorgeous music.
The production leans into its glossy, feel-good nature without apology. This is not a show trying to reinvent the wheel or make grand statements. It knows exactly what it is, a warm, funny and beautifully musical piece of entertainment, and it delivers on that promise with confidence.
Porter’s songbook remains one of the finest ever assembled for a stage musical. Numbers like Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and True Love carry that effortless sophistication that made Porter a legend, and the cast here do full justice to the material. The vocal performances are strong throughout, with the leads bringing genuine charm and chemistry to their roles.
The set design captures the opulence of the Lord family estate without tipping into excess, giving the production a visual elegance that matches the music. Costumes are equally impressive, evoking the period with style and care.
The audience at New Theatre, many of whom were clearly well acquainted with the story and songs, responded warmly from the very first scene. There was laughter in the right places, silence when the music demanded it, and a genuine sense of collective enjoyment that filled the auditorium.
High Society is the kind of show that reminds you why live theatre matters. It is not challenging or provocative, but it is wonderfully crafted and performed with real skill and affection. Sometimes that is exactly what a night at the theatre should be.
The production runs at the New Theatre Cardiff for a limited time this week, so anyone looking for a quality evening of classic musical theatre would do well to grab tickets while they can.