High Society at Wycome Swan Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Amanda Dando
The Wycombe Swan is a lovely sized theatre in High Wycombe, there is plenty of local parking although it is recommended to arrive early to enable you a choice of the closest parking. On a slightly cooler summer’s evening it very much looked like every seat was taken. The staff at the Wycombe Swan are always super helpful, no request is too much. We like to arrive in good time to enjoy a drink before the show and browse the programme!
I have been waiting patiently to see this show, with much anticipation. I have a vague recollection of my mum enjoying the film back in the day and seemed to remember good music along with much dancing.
High Society is filled with the music of Cole Porter, we knew we would be in for a treat, especially as there is a full orchestra playing for the show. The story is set in Newport USA and centres on the upcoming society wedding of Tracy Lord played magnificently by Helen George of Call the Midwife and the King and I. The show is full of comedy as Tracy’s wedding day approaches, is she really going to marry George!
There is a cast of around 28 and each and everyone was simply outstanding, the costumes were fantastic, I loved the ladies’ dresses, elegant, floaty when dancing in the most gorgeous colours, one minute pastels, the next strong colours. The group numbers on stage simply took your breath away and were completely mesmerising. Helen George is outstanding as Tracy, she looks like she is having the time of her life up there on stage, she has a strong singing voice and a great stage presence. There are some standout performances, Freddie Fox who plays Mike Connor also has a very good voice, he is also extremely easy on the eye! The chemistry between Mike and Tracy was entirely believable. Special mention for Uncle Willie played by Nigel Lindsay, his performance with the jazz band was a highlight of the show.
The set was amazing, the backdrop being a beautiful staircase with a central balcony, but they made simple adjustments which meant it transformed to an outside area, complete with a large tree and twinkling light, to a swimming pool, so very cleverly done.
It’s an all singing all dancing swellelegant affair. It’s one of those shows that you just can’t help smiling all the way through, I found the whole thing enchanting. Great performance by everyone involved, laughs, love, brilliant dancing, a love story or three, what’s not to love. High Society will fill you with joy that lasts long after the final curtain, to be able to experience musical theatre like this is such a privilege. There is very limited availability for this show, go grab your tickets now, you won’t be disappointed.
Rating: 5/5
High Society is on at the Wycombe Swan Theatre from Thursday 16 July to Saturday 18 July 2026. Tickets are available from £39.75 plus a transaction fee of up to £3.95 may apply. For more information or to book tickets, visit trafalgartickets.com or call the Box Office on 0343 310 0060.
Wycombe Swan Theatre, St Mary Street, High Wycombe, HP11 2XE