A lead role in a successful, long-running television series is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing for the obvious reasons: name-making fame and financial security. But also an iron-fist-in-velvet-gloves sort of curse, as the performer in question becomes ever more associated with one role only, thus limiting potential future career progression.
Helen George, known to millions as Nurse Trixie Franklin (later Lady Aylward) in Call the Midwife, is the epitome of this elegant dilemma, given that she has starred in the show ever since its inception in January 2012. George originally trained in musical theatre, at the Royal Academy of Music no less, but could anyone take her seriously outside the confines of 50s/60s/70s Poplar?
The answer, thanks to a spirited new production of the Cole Porter musical High Society at the Barbican Centre in London, is a resounding yes. As the romantically muddled American heiress Tracy Lord (a role played in the 1956 film by none other than Grace Kelly in her final professional outing) George is allowed to let loose at last and it is a pleasure to behold.
Helen George originally trained in musical theatre and shines in the role of Tracy Lord in ‘High Society’ (Photo: Pamela Raith)
