Congress Theatre, Eastbourne
Showing until November 14th
There’s a great mix of frivolous fun, magical music, and Hollywood glamour in the Cole Porter revival of High Society, which received a standing ovation when I attended the matinee at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, on Wednesday.
It’s an all-singing, all-dancing musical comedy that pays a fitting tribute to the classic 1956 film, starring Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly. The musical itself first premiered on Broadway in 1998, with a book by Arthur Kopit.
A talented cast does justice to Cole Porter’s music and lyrics, which include ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’, ‘‘Well, Did You Evah’ and ‘You’re Sensational’.
The aptly-named show is set in the palatial home of an American heiress on the eve of her wedding.
Call the Midwife star Helen George, as 1930s society girl Tracy, comes close to matching the emotional depth shown by originator Katharine Hepburn (in The Philadelphia Story) and Grace Kelly in the High Society movie. Although she does not fully show just how spoilt Tracy is meant to be, Helen gives a vibrant and vivacious performance. She perfectly portrays Tracy’s beauty and flirty remarks, showing why the three leading male characters are captivated by her.
She’s due to marry humourless, deadly dull accountant George Kittredge (David Seadon-Young). He is the exact opposite of her ex-husband Dextor, now a reformed alcoholic. Julian Ovenden (Bridgerton, Downton Abbey, The Crown) is suitably suave and sophisticated as the charismatic Dexter. Ovenden also gives anexhilarating rendition of ‘Just One of Those Things’./div>
Undercover reporter Mike Connor (Freddie Fox), who falls for Tracy, and photographer Liz Imbrie (Carly Mercedes Dyer), who fancies Mike, add greatly to this nocturnal romp. Fox (Slow Horses, House of the Dragon) makes an excellent musical theatre debut as the unpredictable Connor, and Mercedes Dyer is equally impressive.But even their input, and that of Nigel Lindsay, Josefina Gabielle, Malcolm Sinclair, Naomi Pacquette, and James Hume, cannot fully compensate for Arthur Kopit’s light, sometimes disjointed storyline. His script does, however, provide wit and charm, which is brought out by director Rachel Kavanaugh.The orchestra, under the supervision of Stephen Ridley, and the choreography of Anthony Van Laast, both contribute greatly to a sparkling celebration of musical theatre.Tickets on sale here.
All photos © Pamela Raith Photography
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Tony Flood spent most of his working life as a journalist, initially on local and regional papers and then on nationals. He was also editor of Football Monthly, Controller of Information at Sky Television and enjoyed a spell with The People before retiring in 2010.
He recalls: “My work as a showbiz and leisure writer, critic and editor saw me take on a variety of challenges - learning to dance with Strictly Come Dancing star Erin Boag, becoming a stand-up comedian and playing football with the late George Best and Bobby Moore in charity matches.
“Now I spend much of my time writing books, and theatre reviews and articles for online magazines Unknown Kent and Sussex and The Write Site. I recently retired from playing veterans football, having been one of the oldest - and slowest - players in the country!” Tony's first book was fantasy adventure SECRET POTION, which went to No. 1 in its Amazon category and has been recommended by other authors for Harry Potter fans of all ages.
His celebrity book, MY LIFE WITH THE STARS – SIZZLING SECRETS SPILLED! is full of anecdotes and revelations about showbiz and sports personalities, including Eric Morecambe, Elvis Presley, Kylie Minogue, George Best, Frank Sinatra, Joan Collins, Strictly Come Dancing stars, Muhammad Ali and Bobby Moore, with whom Tony worked.
The versatile Mr Flood then turned to writing in another genre with spicy crime thriller TRIPLE TEASE, endorsed by best-selling author Peter James, actor Brian Capron and The Sun newspaper's Stuart Pink. Following the success of TRIPLE TEASE, Tony wrote STITCH UP! – KILLER OR VICTIM? and FALL GUY.
In BEGGARS BELIEF compassionate copper DCI Harvey Livermore and his Major Crime Team are again trying to put a killer behind bars in a gripping, fast-moving story.
Tony has also co-written, with his wife Heather Flood, LAUGHS AND TEARS GALORE – STORIES AND POEMS WITH TWISTS!
Tony gives talks about the showbiz and sports stars featured in his celebrity book, as well as holding miniworkshops and giving advice on how would-be authors can write a successful book. Any groups wishing to contact him can email:
tflood04@yahoo.co.uk Tony is chairman of Anderida Writers of Eastbourne. The link for the Anderida website is:
www.anderidawriters.co.uk
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