Leeds Grand Theatre – until Saturday 29th August 2026
Reviewed by Adam Craddock
3***
Last night I had the pleasure to once again be invited along to the wonderful Leeds Grand Theatre to review the latest leg of the UK tour of Cole Porter’s “High Society”. Having never seen the film but being fully aware of its reputation I was extremely excited to see this show and I have to be straight up from the start… I have mixed feelings.
Lets start with the positives, and believe me when I say it the high points in this show really are high, mostly of all the absolutely jaw dropping Julian Ovenden as the male lead “Dexter Haven”. I was aware of Ovenden as a performer but had never seen him on stage before and all I can say is… wow. I don’t think in my 27 years of life I have heard a voice so suited to legit musical theatre, with a delicious richness and roundness to his tone. That is not to say he is a one trick pony in this role, he is naturally endearing and likeable, but without being cheesy. Helen George more than matched Ovenden in the role of the socialite bride to be “Tracy Lord”. George was a real ball of energy on stage, wickedly playful and energetic but again with a definite realness to her portrayal in such a farcical show. Her voice blended beautifully in the duets with Ovenden and their chemistry was real. I also enjoyed Nigel Lindsay as “Uncle Willie”. Lindsay was so endearingly funny and his performance was just so warm and likeable. I particularly liked his back and forth with people at the party. One final note of praise must go to the band who were absolutely astounding and really brought that old school Hollywood movie feel to life. Bravo!
And now sadly… the not so goods. In my opinion the ensemble felt slightly sloppy. For me there was a lack of clarity to the movement. I completely understand the breathiness that was the style and intention but the movements ended up feeling unfinished and lacking in energy. I also found myself being repeatedly distracted by ensemble members preparing for set changes encroaching on the stage, particularly on the stage left side, which is surprising as the stage left wing was so large that the pre show curtain showing the name of the show read “HIGH SOCIET” with the curtain cutting off a letter! I also was not the biggest fan of the relationship between Freddie Fox and Carly Mercedes Dyer as “Mike Connor” and “Liz Imbie”. Whilst both performers were fine individually, in particular Dyer, I really did not feel any chemistry between the pair and whilst I could see them ending as a pair a mile off I just didn’t feel like this was earned…
Overall, I think this is a show somewhat carried by two exceptional leads and without these star performances, I think it may have been a bit more of a difficult watch.