Helen George grew up listening to her jazz-fan father’s records – now she’s singing some of those timeless songs on stage, as the star of a lavish new production of the classic Cole Porter musical High Society.

About to start a 20-week tour after its run in London, the production lands in Cardiff soon (21-25 July 2026 at the New Theatre), so I’m pleased to share these insights from an interview by Simon Button.

“So I grew up listening to all the greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra singing those wonderful Cole Porter melodies,” Helen recalled fondly. “Doing this show is really special for me because this is the music that I grew up with and sang along to.”

Helen, best known for Call the Midwife on TV and the acclaimed revival of Rogers and Hammerstein’s The King and I on stage, heads a 28-strong cast that also features Freddie Fox, Julian Ovenden and Nigel Lindsay.

“It’s a wonderful, fabulous, sophisticated escape of an evening, with a huge orchestra and a big brass section. There’s just so much joy in this show, the costumes are incredible, the songs are amazing, and I’m over the moon with the cast and crew that I get to work with.”

Based on the classic 1956 film (which itself was based on the 1939 stage comedy The Philadelphia Story and the following year’s big-screen version), High Society revolves around a Long Island wedding circa 1951, with old and new flames vying for attention as reporter Mike Connor (played by Freddie Fox) hunts around for some scandal.

As the planned nuptials descend into comedy chaos, at the centre of it all is Helen’s Long Island socialite and divorcée Tracy Lord. “She’s a very interesting character,” said Helen. “One of my first questions was ‘Why would we care about her?’ because on paper she’s got it all. She lives in this fantastic house and there’s so much wealth behind her, but ultimately it’s a story about human relations, and Tracy is trying to control her life in the best way that she can.”

The show features some all-time great songs from Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? via Well, Did You Evah! and Just One of Those Things to Let’s Misbehave and True Love.

For this new production the score has been expanded with a selection of additional Cole Porter classics, including I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love, You Do Something to Me, Be a Clown, You’d Be So Nice to Come Home To, All Of You and Now You Has Jazz.

And Helen sees the music and mirth as a tonic for troubled times, saying: “I come out of the theatre, then I listen to the news and think ‘Oh God, I’m so glad that I’m doing High Society, not something that’s sad or political in any way’. This is exactly the sort of show that we need right now, and I think that theatre really comes into its prime when the world feels uncertain – especially with a musical that’s as much fun and as lively and joyful as this one.”

And what about Helen’s character, Tracy? “I think what’s interesting about her is that she’s a divorced woman in 1951, which is rare and actually quite brave. It’s interesting to explore the fact that she’s free and independent and only needs a man for love, not money.”

Back when she was singing along to Fitzgerald and Sinatra, did Helen ever imagine that she’d have the career that she’s had? “You never know how it’s going to turn out. I’ve been very fortunate with the chances that I’ve been given and I feel very lucky, but I’ve worked hard for it.”

That hard work began when she studied ballet as a child. “I wasn’t particularly academic and I knew I’d found my passion, which my parents were very supportive about,” she recalls. “That was dance to begin with, which translated into singing and then translated into acting. I just knew that I didn’t want to work in an office because I’m much more of a practical and physical person.”   

Helen is a big advocate for taking shows around the country, saying: “Without getting on my soapbox, I think touring productions are so important. I grew up in Birmingham and I saw so many wonderful touring shows, and that’s what made me want to do what I do now.”

That includes following in the footsteps of the legendary Grace Kelly, who played Tracy in the film version. “But I’m not thinking about it because it’s just too intimidating,” Helen admits. “It was the same with The King and I, which had this legacy of incredible actresses before me playing her. My concern is finding my own take on the character, and I love that I get to play these very rounded and fulfilling roles – especially in a show that’s as gorgeous and joyous as this one.”

High Society visits New Theatre Cardiff from Tuesday 21 – Saturday 25 July. For tickets visit the theatre website and for other venues and dates, check here.

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