It could be somewhat apt, in the current economic climate, that there should be a revival of Cole Porter’s musical, High Society, which portrays the social and moral excesses of the rich, social elite.

The story revolves around spoilt, wealth heiress Tracey Lord, played delightfully by Sophie Bould of Holby City and Inspector Lynley mysteries. On the eve of her wedding to the dull but honest working-class fiancé, George Ketteridge (Kieren Crook), her charming ne’er do well playboy ex-hubby Dexter Haven (Michael Praed) turns up to put a spanner in the works.

The first Act lacks a little oomph. Apart from the quick fire costume changes by Tracey and the lively performance of her young sister played brilliantly by 17 year old Katy Lee. A  name to watch for the future.

A fantastic big style song and dance performance by the servants roused the audience in the second half. The song portrayed their need for sleep while the party swung on into the wee small hours. One of the main party swingers was ‘good old Uncle Willie’ (Teddy Kempner ) who loved the ladies but whose true love was the gin bottle…no wonder he thrilled the audience with his agile comedy dance antics and jolly rendition of the song “lets misbehave” and most of them do just that!.

The highlight of the show was a real foot tapping, seat swivelling number, “Well, did you Evah?” which left the audience in no doubt what a ….. swelegant, elegant party this is!  Bring on more champagne, this performance could have perhaps done with just a little more fizz!

Cherie and Alison, over 50.