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Theatre
Jun 04, 2026
Analyzed by Llama- 4 Scout 17B 16E Instruct

High Society review – smooth musical hardly misbehaves but the songs are heavenly

AI Summary
The musical 'High Society', based on Cole Porter's songs, has been reviewed. Despite its smooth staging and heavenly songs, the show lacks human drama and emotional depth.

The Lead

The musical 'High Society', based on Cole Porter's songs, has been reviewed. Despite its smooth staging and heavenly songs, the show lacks human drama and emotional depth.

Cole Porter's Smooth but Flawed Musical

Five years ago, the Barbican staged the first of three Cole Porter musicals in quick succession. 'High Society' is the latest, and it's about the romantic shenanigans of the American east coast gentry. Immaculate in its song and dance, it is smoothly staged from the minute the (doomed) multitiered cake is wheeled on for the upcoming wedding in Long Island.

The Data Analysis

  • The musical features songs like 'Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?', 'True Love', and 'Now You Have Jazz'.
  • The show is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by Anthony Van Laast.
  • The cast includes Helen George, Julian Ovenden, David Seadon-Young, and Freddie Fox.

The Impact Analysis

Despite its technical proficiency, the show lacks the human drama and emotional depth that makes a musical truly memorable. The characters feel underdeveloped, and the romantic plotline lacks tension and stakes. The show's preoccupation with dazzling the audience musically and visually comes at the expense of story and character development.

The Prediction

The musical will tour until 14 November, after closing at the Barbican theatre, London on 11 July. While it will likely delight fans of Cole Porter's music, it may not leave a lasting impact on audiences.