Continuing its highly successful run of Cole Porter musicals - following on from Anything Goes (2021) and Kiss Me Kate (2024) - The Barbican’s glamorous remake of High Society is visiting Birmingham this week.

Based on the play The Philadelphia Story, and best known from the classic 1956 film version starring Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra, High Society follows the fortunes of socialite Tracy Lord (here played by Call The Midwife favourite Helen George). Tracy is on the rebound from her tumultuous first marriage and preparing for her wedding to dreadfully dull accountant George Kittredge (David Seadon-Young). Her family - especially her outspoken and opinionated younger sister, Dinah (Naomi Pacquette) - despise or dismiss him, failing to understand why the feisty and free spirited Tracy would be willing to settle for a lame and tedious life.

The wedding plans are thrown off course by the surprise return of Tracy’s first husband, the dashing and debonair Dexter Haven (Julian Ovenden), who, having turned over a new leaf, is determined to win back his ex-wife. The plot thickens further when journalist Mike Conner (Freddie Fox), who is hunting for a newsworthy scandal, takes a shine to Tracy, much to the dismay of photographer Liz Imbrie (Carly Mercedes Dyer), who has her heart set on him...

This is a very enjoyable show, with plenty to recommend it. For a start, there’s Cole Porter’s celebrated score, including much-loved gems such as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, True Love, Well Did You Evah! and You’re Sensational, all of which are beautifully sung by a strong, supportive cast.

Then there’s the elegant, stylish, vibrant and colourful period costumes, and the splendidly decadent sets, effectively reflecting the luxury and opulence of the privileged world of the Lord family. Cascading staircases and some clever scene changes - especially when the garden transforms into the swimming pool - help to ensure the entire production looks magnificent throughout.

The ensemble performs with tremendous energy, the choreography is highly polished, and the full-cast dance routines - especially for Now You Has Jazz and Let’s Misbehave - are among the production’s highlights. The fun and laughter come thick and fast, too, as relationships become increasingly complicated. Special mention must go to Tracy’s roguishly mischievous Uncle Willie (Nigel Lindsay), stealing numerous scenes in his permanently sozzled state as he gets caught up in, and sometimes exacerbates, the pre-wedding chaos.

High Society’s storyline is pretty lightweight, and there isn’t enough time to develop convincing romances - but actually, so what? The show is well-performed by a fully committed cast, musically and visually impressive, and provides exactly the sense of escapism that you would expect and desire from a golden-age musical.

And the live orchestra is definitely the cherry on top of the cake.

Four stars

High Society was reviewed by Sue Hull on Tuesday 18 August at The Alexandra, Birmingham, where it shows until Saturday 22 August.