THIS famous, gloriously glitzy Cole Porter musical about the society wedding of a sparkling Philadelphia heiress to a staid industrialist is the perfect vehicle for showing off the talents of Wellington Operatic Society.

With its familiar songs, including ‘Who wants to be a Millionaire’, ‘I Love Paris’ and ‘True Love’ there was plenty here to enjoy.

Emily Mitchell gave a good strong performance as Tracy Lord – by turns imperious, fiery and vulnerable she gave substance to her character, making her more than a dizzy, self-centred rich girl.

Young John Skittrell gave a sensitive performance as C.K.Dexter Haven, Emily’s ex-husband, bringing real poignancy to his songs and his continued love for Emily. As the boring and boorish fiancé George, Phil Taylor showed how unsuitable a husband he would be with his inability to understand the curious and particular mores of high society.

For beneath the frivolous surface this is a play about class and integrity, about nouveau riche and old money, about finding your heart beneath the veneer of the face you show to the world. In that sense Susan ‘Swannie’ Swan as Mother Lord skilfully epitomised how well-bred women cope with shame and humiliation with poise and gritty determination.

She had beautiful, matronly elegance, particularly in the Act Two when reunited with her contrite but rakish husband (Crispin Buttle).

Elsewhere Paul Smith delighted as the bottom-pinching, gin swilling amorous Uncle Willie. Susan Green and Kevin Stratton were excellent as snooping journalists Liz and Mike – singing with assurance and emotion. Hannah Green was petulant and assertive as the young daughter Dinah, desperate to save her sister from her disastrous impending marriage.

Although the chorus looked a little stiff at times and could have been more enthusiastic, the whole was assured under Monica Spalding’s direction.

The music (director Hilary Wickham) and choreography (Charlie Evans) were accomplished and there was an impressive range of sets for the numerous scene changes. It is a large show to attempt and Wellington Operatic Society has done a good solid production of a favourite show.

The show runs until Saturday with performances nightly at 7.30pm and a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday.

Tickets are available from the box office and Hart and Craft in Wellington’s High Street or on 01832-663597.

Review by Helen Rose.