High Society 'much needed escapism', actor says

Helen George, star of Call the Midwife, is part of a new production of High Society coming to stages in Kent and Sussex.

George, who plays Tracy Lord, said Cole Porter's romantic comedy - with lavish sets, costumes and musical numbers - is promising to give audiences a welcome diversion when it plays at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury and the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne.

"It's such a different world from our life today and we always need escapism, particularly at the moment," George said.

"We are harking back to something that is a little lighter, a more simple life, I suppose."

The role of Lord, a glamorous socialite, was made famous by Grace Kelly in 1956 and is one George noted as a "huge privilege".

"Any big role is daunting but you also can't buckle under the size of it or who has come before," she said.

George hinted that the 16th series of Call the Midwife, which is currently understood to be on hiatus to accommodate a film and a prequel, is also showing signs for a return.

"We are letting it breathe for the moment I think is the honest truth, because we did it for 15 years back to back," she said.

"I think there's every thirst and want for that to happen from all the right people. Watch this space."

The show, which has brought in audiences topping 8m, is part filmed at the Historic Dockyard Chatham in Kent.

George came sixth in BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing in 2015 and said what she learned has stuck with her.

She said: "It helped me to use my body on stage and use movement as a tool to help the story as well.

"But do I love hearing the Strictly music again? I'm not entirely sure, it can be triggering."

George's career began after graduating from the Royal Academy of Music and revealed an early break came courtesy of former pupil Elton John.

He returned to the academy in search of backing singers, where Helen was chosen.

"I had a mad summer when I had not really realized how lucky I was singing with Elton John and hanging round with David Furnish and the dogs - it was fun," she said.

The 2026 revival of High Society, directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, is currently on a UK tour which is playing at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury from 27 to 31 October and the Congress Theatre in Eastbourne between 10 and 14 November.

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