High Society

HIGH SOCIETY – a musical performed by Wigan Musical Theatre Group at St Michael’s Parish Hall, Shaw Street, Wigan on Friday 14th October, 2022.

‘High Society’ is basically a play with music.  Based on Phillip Barry’s 1939 stage comedy ‘The Philadelphia Story’ from which the film ‘High Society’ was made in 1956 starring Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Grace Kelly, (Her last film before she married Prince Rainier III and became Princess Grace of Monaco). The music and lyrics were penned by the amazing Cole Porter from a book by Arthur Kopit, with additional lyrics by Susan Birkenhead.  This story is about a highly successful jazz musician, C.K. Dexter Haven, who is divorced from wealthy socialite Tracy Samantha Lord who he still loves and who unfortunately lives next door!  Tracy is about to re-marry the rather bland businessman, George Kitteridge. As the wedding day draws near, Tracy has many decisions to make, many questions to have answered and now three men to consider!  The question on everyone’s lips is… “Who, if anyone, will put a ring on Tracey’s finger?”

This was Wigan Musical Theatre Group’s first musical since November, 2019 when they staged ‘White Christmas’ here at St Michael’s Parish Hall… much has changed since then… but what hadn’t changed was the enthusiasm and commitment that this group always bring to everything they do! 

Production Team… to stage any production requires dedicated people at the helm and Wigan Musical Theatre Group are blessed in this department… Frances Cheetham (Director) and Joan Bond (Musical Director) Jayne Quinlan, Frances Cheetham and Sarah Collinge (Choreography) should all be congratulated for gathering together a good-cast who were well-rehearsed and who worked really well together providing us with a wonderful evening’s entertainment!  Be ever so proud ladies… good job!

St Michael’s Parish Hall was almost full and there was a ‘buzz’ of anticipation in the air from the society’s loyal supporters.  As I entered the hall, I was made aware of a problem which was totally out of the society’s hands… a major accident on the M61 meant that a supporting actor and a member of the band, travelling separately, were stuck in the aftermath of the accident and it wasn’t known if or when they would arrive.  The consideration was being taken to have an actor read in from a script... fortunately both scampered in with only minutes to curtain … just love live theatre!  

The Cast… where to start!  As many will know, this is where I usually ‘stick my neck out’ and start identifying MY favourite performances… sometimes this isn’t easy when you can tell, as in this case, that everyone on that stage had given of their best… but never one to shirk responsibility… these are my ‘Trio of Three’ favourite performances… My ‘showstealer’ was the youngest member of the cast … Sarah Collinge who took on the role of ‘Dinah Lord’, the opinionated, mischievous teenage sister of Tracy!  Sarah made this part her own; she oozed confidence, great attitude which she was able to keep throughout, stage presence aplenty, great accent and a wonderful singing voice … be ever so proud Sarah…great job (PS… Happy 21st for last Friday)!  Not far behind was Helen Gray’s portrayal of the independent, arrogant, confused heiress, ‘Tracy Samantha Lord’. Tracy can make men fall at her feet but all she really wants… is to be loved!  Helen, did a great job with this role. Great stage presence, worked really well with all the cast, another with a great voice… well done Helen, be proud!  The third member of my ‘Trio of Three’…  and it was so great to see him back on-stage, was Clive Green who took on the role of Tracey’s ‘Uncle Willie’.  Clive is blessed with both stage presence and an amazing voice both of which were there for all to see and hear that night… loved his rendition of ‘Say it with Gin’!  Super mannerisms, great characterisation and another that worked ever so well with the other cast members… be proud Clive! 

The cast included Catherine Finch who took on the role of ‘Margaret Lord’… Tracy’s mother, good job Catherine, be proud!  Kenneth Rees took on the role of Tracey’s ‘philandering’ father ‘Seth Lord’.  Kenneth looked totally at home in this role… good job sir!  Aiden Miners played ‘C.K. Dexter Haven’, Tracey’s first husband who is still madly in love with Tracy.  Again, another that looked totally comfortable in the role… good job Aiden.  Clare Hodkinson was a ‘perfect fit’ for the ‘magazine photographer’ ‘Liz Imbrie’. Another that made the part her own… just loved the interaction with ‘Uncle Willie’… well done Clare!   John Clinton played Journalist ‘Mike McCauey’ (Connor), the third wheel in Tracy’s love triangle and another that looked totally conformable in the role! Provided us with a great characterisation, be ever so proud John!  John Dudley took on the role of Tracy’s fiancé ‘George Kitteredge’ good job John!  Ian Hollis did a really good job with the ever so laid-back Butler - ‘Chester’!  Never rushed, never phased, everything had its place… loved the interpretation of this character… great job Ian!

Ensemble … (Servants and Guests) … Christine Armstrong, Julie Edwards, Elizabeth Wallwork and Maria Rignall were our ‘singing servants’… well done ladies’ good job!  Hazel Dobson, Val Hogg, Joyce Ratcliffe, June McCoy, Pat Reid, Carol Smith, Paul Balfour and Brian Middlehurst took on the roles of guests and servants and did a good job.

The Orchestra… was in the safe hands of the ever so experienced Joan Bond (Musical Director). Joan had under her watchful eye Ann Vosper and Katie Bradley (Woodwind), Kevin Bates (Bass Guitar) and Nick Wood (Percussion).  Great sound folks, be ever so proud!

Staging/Technical the ever-present Shelia Cleary (Stage Manager) was once again in charge backstage. A simple set was used throughout which was ‘dressed’ to fit each location.  The dressing of the various locations was completed by cast and crew and on occasions this did cause some slight delays; but when you ‘know’ the space situation back stage… then these issues are completely understandable!  We also had a few ‘gremlins’ in the lighting plot which appeared to get resolved as the production continued, but overall, these issues did not affect the overall enjoyment!  Sound and Lighting … Erik Newman, Peter Wallwork and Clive Green were responsible, good job guys. Set and Stage Crew: Shelia Cleary, Christine Armstrong, Gwen Charnock, Louise Butterworth, Maria Rignall, Ellen Fitton, Kate Connell and team… again well-done folks! 

Costumes/Wardrobe ... were excellent, apt and enhanced the production so much… sourced from Charades Theatrical Costume Hire, St Helens and from cast Members… under the watchful eye of Clare Hodkinson.

From the response and the enthusiastic applause that greeted the finale of this production, I think we can safety stay that all that ‘time and effort’, all those ‘trials and tribulations’ were well worth it… this was a thoroughly enjoyable production, appreciated by everyone in St Michael’s Parish Hall that evening. Congratulations to one and all, be ever so proud!

Once again, thank you so much for inviting my wife and I, it really is always a privilege to visit Wigan Musical Theatre Group.  Thanks to Frances Cheetham for her meet and greet and for looking after us throughout… (apologies John, but another wonderful Victoria Sponge). Thanks again, hope to see you all very soon!

Stay safe and keep well….

Jim Briscoe
NODA North West
District 6 Rep

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