Edinburgh run for hit musical early next month

One of the stars of High Society is preparing to return to the Edinburgh stage where her musical career began as she celebrates her 40th year in theatre.

Heather Jackson, 62, from the Falkirk area, plays the housekeeper in High Society at the Playhouse from September 8-12, returning to where it all began for her musical career.

High Society was originally a musical romantic comedy film celebrating the works of Cole Porter, starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra, released in 1956.

Actress Heather Jackson will appear in High Society at the Playhouse, September 8-12. | Pamela Raith

placeholder image — Actress Heather Jackson will appear in High Society at the Playhouse, September 8-12. | Pamela Raith

This lavish new production features a score overflowing with the best of Cole Porter’s songbook, including Just One Of Those Things, Let’s Misbehave, I Love Paris, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, True Love, and many more.

The cast of High Society pictured on stage. | Pamela Raith

Speaking about the UK tour coming to Edinburgh in a couple of weeks, Heather, who studied at Queen Margaret University and the former Academy of Ballet, both in the city, said: “It will be so lovely to be back in Scotland, as I haven’t performed here for four years, when I was in My Fair Lady at the Pavilion in the middle of winter, so hopefully it should be better weather this time.

“This year is my 40th in theatre, I thought I was just going to be a straight actor but I have done mostly musical theatre on stage and on cruise ships. I did Phantom of the Opera for nine years on and off, and I love doing pantomimes.

“It’s just great to be performing again in Edinburgh. I first did My Fair Lady at the Playhouse, it’s nice to be going back there with another musical, but a bit different.

“And the very first musical I did was Fiddler on the Roof, with my brother Jay Jackson. That was wonderful doing my first role with my brother, it was the best start I could have had.

“My mum, Janette McKay, did lots of theatre also, starting in opera. I am so lucky that I had her to teach me singing. I also have great memories of her performing in Edinburgh.

“It’s going to be so lovely to be back there performing in High Society, and I hope people enjoy the musical.”

Currently on a UK tour, this production includes Helen George (Call the Midwife, The King and I) who leads a 28-strong cast as glamorous socialite Tracy Lord, joined by Freddie Fox (Slow Horses), Julian Ovenden (South Pacific), and Malcolm Sinclair (Pie in the Sky).

High Society's leading actors, left to right, Freddie Fox, Helen George, and Julian Kennedy. | Dan Kennedy

Heather, who was the understudy to Vanessa Redgrave in My Fair Lady in London’s West End, shortly after the Covid pandemic, is excited to be bringing High Society to Edinburgh.

Speaking to the Evening News in between shows in Birmingham, she said: “Helen is perfect for that part. I can’t think of anybody more fitting. And Freddie is amazing, it’s his first musical drama since leaving drama school, he has the most beautiful voice. It was such a treat in rehearsals.

“So we have got a great cast and of course the beautiful Cole Porter songs. They have added a few extra songs that are not in the film. And we have such wonderful costumes, as well as a fantastic set.

“It really transports you off into this truly opulent world. And the music of course is incredible. It’s just a joy to go to work every day. It will be great to have it on at the Playhouse on that big stage, as it’s meant to be.”

High Society, at Edinburgh Playhouse, Tuesday, September 8, until Saturday, September 12. Tickets are available here.