Review: HIGH SOCIETY, The Mill at Sonning Theatre
Photo credit: Andreas Lambis
The Mill at Sonning not only boasts a charming venue in a beautiful location, it remains the UK’s only dinner theatre and earlier this year, their production of Gypsy won Best Musical Production at the UK Theatre Awards. With all of these impressive attributes, a visit to The Mill is always a treat, and the current production of High Society doesn’t disappoint.
The musical is based on the play The Philadelphia Story, and the 1956 film High Society. It tells of the rich and beautiful Tracy Lord (Victoria Serra) on the eve of her wedding to her second husband, the rather dull George Kitteridge (Will Richardson). Comical chaos ensues as Tracy and her privileged family try to observe all the correct social niceties whilst dealing with snooping reporters, their own tangled affairs, the appearance of Tracy’s first husband and 700 guests! Accompanied by Cole Porter’s classic score, the production is utterly joyful, and showcases an exceptionally talented cast whose boundless energy and clear enjoyment of the piece make for a compelling two hours of theatre.
Serra plays opposite three love interests, and manages wonderful chemistry with each of the very different characters. Her fiancé George is deliberately one dimensional, while trashy tabloid reporter Mike Connor (Matthew Jeans) has a mysterious and slightly aloof air about him. It is with her first husband Dexter (Matt Blaker) whom the sparks really fly - both in heated argument and suppressed desire, and Serra and Blaker are hard to draw your eyes away from, particularly when dueting together as both have incredible singing voices.
Katlo makes her professional debut as Dinah Lord, Tracy’s younger sister, giving a delightful portrayal of a bratty and manipulative child and is just one of the very able supporting cast. Kurt Kansley brings a lecherous comedy to the character of Uncle Willie, while Laura Tyrer and Matthew Jeans play reporting duo Liz Imbrie and Mike Connor, giving us a masterful performance of ‘Who Wants To Be a Millionaire’.
Set in the 1950’s, the set, costume, music and choreography are all a tribute to the vibrancy and style of the decade. Jason Denvir has created a set that has a slightly Mediterranean feel about it, and this adds a light, bright backdrop to the story. Three simple moving set pieces, one of which encompasses a piano, are moved scene by scene, allowing maximum use of the relatively small playing space while still managing to imply the opulence of a grand residence. Natalie Titchener’s costumes are in keeping with Denvir’s colour pallete, and exhibits a host of beautiful 50’s style dresses and tailored evening wear.
The second act features some full cast dance numbers, which is no mean feat on such a small stage but Jaye Elster’s choreography is well considered, both for the space and for the 1950’s aesthetic of the piece. ‘Let’s Misbehave’ is a stand out number, and encapsulates the cheeky, feel good nature of the show.
High Society is a fantastically feel good production, filled with heart, nostalgia and just a little bit of saucy fun!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Sarah Brown
High Society plays at The Mill at Sonning until 20 January 2024, with further information here.