This production has the ever supple and humorous Wayne Sleep as the eccentric womanising drunkard Uncle Willie, although the character is a little less choreographed than we are used to seeing, we are treated to a dance routine just at the end of the show before the bows are taken which displayed proof that Mr Sleep is still as coordinated as ever. His comic timing and vocal talents are also on display.

We are introduced to the show and all the characters by a superb chorus of servants, who also act as narrators during the show. Lorded over by the Butler (David Alder) this talented bunch sing and dance their way through scene changes, moving scenery tables chairs and several other stage dressings with consummate ease. Scott Cripps, Julia-Ann Dixon, Lizzii Hills, Mark Isherwood, Phil Lawton, Claire Poyzer, George Smith, Holly Dale Spencer and Hollie Taylor all do a superb job. Tony Stansfield’s dancing impressed me and it was difficult to tear my eyes away from him.

Isla Carter as Tracy Lord is about to marry for the second time. She is a stunning looking heroine with a superb voice but rotten taste in men. Part of the humour of the piece is her reaction after a few too many glasses of champagne.

Daniel Crowder is George Kittredge, Tracy’s future husband, a straight-laced social climber unused to the ways of the privileged. Did not make himself appealing by his over reacting to the peculiar ways of the upper crust.

Tracy’s Mother (Aly McInnes) and Father (James Jordan) may have gone their own ways, but when brought back together on the eve of the wedding, regain the old sparkle.

The un-invited guests, gossip columnists Liz Imbrie (Sophie-Louise Dann) and Mike Connor (Paul Robinson), provide the catalyst around which the revels disintegrate. From the moment Mike arrives I was surprised that anyone else on stage got a look in. When he sang “You’re Sensational” that is exactly what he was. 

Tracy’s younger sister Dinah Lord (Brenda Moore) is a high-spirited inquisitive youth slightly in love with her ex- brother in law and next-door neighbour Dexter.

Finally, last but not least, Dexter Haven. In the programme the part was due to be played by the debonair Welshman and our friend of many years, the gorgeous Mike Sterling. However, on the night the handsome talented John Cusworth had his first opportunity to step up into the leading role. Although I was sad not to see Mike, I was delighted to see John again, having previously seen him in Schwartz it all about and Songs for a New World during the 2003 Edinburgh Fringe Festival. It was great to see this superb writer / performer again.

This fantastic show is enjoyable on very many levels and the small, yet great band consisting of Robert Cousins, Alan Hase, Pat Kyle, Matthew French and Mat Heighway under the direction of Stephen Ridley produce beautiful music.

To find out more about the show and future productions see www.highsocietythemusical.co.uk