A high old time on offer at the Theatre in the Hills

It’s another opening, another show (sorry, wrong show) as the curtain goes up on the latest summer season at the Theatre in the Hills – and it’s another musical blockbuster, writes Peter Cargill.

A 17-strong High Society cast and an orchestra of eight ensure Cole Porter aficionados, or any one else, are not disappointed.

Director John Durnin has set a high standard to maintain over the years since musicals were first added to the repertoire. Could the company do it again? The answer is in one of the song titles – You’re Sensational!

Adrian Rees’ wedding cakethemed set is both substantial and flexible for a plethora of scenes which are reset with apparent effortless ease by the cast – while also singing and dancing.

Movement is under the capable hands (and feet) of Chris StuartWilson with a nodding tribute to Bob Fosse – a flick of the wrist, a shrug, a twist of the head all in perfect unison. And that is the secret of this triumph – it is one cohesive unit working in harmony.

Old Cole Porter favourites such as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, Just One of those Things and Well, Did You Evah?, in the hands of this superb cast, are as fresh as if penned yesterday.

Apart from the music, much of the success is in the comedy – Helen Mallon shows a great line in inebriation as socialite Tracy Lord. But the comedic honours go to Mark Faith as the befuddled Uncle Willie, whose arms and legs seem to have a mind of their own as if operated by a demented puppeteer.

Intended groom Alan Mirren made his mark with a strong vocal performance.

And under the baton of Jon Beales, the musical contribution is of the highest calibre.

High Society continues on various dates at Pitlochry until October 14.