High Society might be revived this summer time – and complete casting has been revealed!
The present, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a e-book by Arthur Kopit, begins performances on 19 May 2026 and runs till 11 July.
The manufacturing is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, with choreography by Anthony Van Laast and musical supervision by Stephen Ridley, who will lead a full orchestra. The musical relies on Philip Barry’s play The Philadelphia Story, with further lyrics by Susan Birkenhead.
The rating contains Porter requirements similar to “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire”, “I Love Paris”, “Well, Did You Evah?”, “Just One of Those Things”, “Let’s Misbehave”, “You’re Sensational” and “True Love”. The story follows preparations for a society marriage ceremony that start to unravel as previous relationships resurface and an intrusive reporter arrives.
Set to star on the Barbican for a restricted eight-week season would be the beforehand revealed Helen George and Felicity Kendal.
They’ll be joined by Freddie Fox as Mike Connor, Julian Ovenden as Dexter Haven, Carly Mercedes Dyer as Liz and Nigel Lindsay as Uncle Willie and Malcolm Sinclair as Seth Lord.
Completing the London cast are Naomi Pacquette, David Seadon-Young, James Hume, Bethany Adamson, David Austin-Barnes, Jabari Braham, George Bray, Andrew Coshan, Jordan Crouch, Frances Dee, Aaron Elijah, Tosca Fischer, Jacob Fisher, Heather Jackson, Aoife Kenny, Nell Martin, Isabel Snaas, Thomas Inge, Robin Kent, Imogen Bailey, Lucy Rice.
Producer Howard Panter stated: “High Society is a musical that sparkles with wit, romance and sheer theatrical pleasure, and we’re completely thrilled that the terribly gifted actors Freddie Fox, Julian Ovenden, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Nigel Lindsay and Malcolm Sinclair might be becoming a member of Helen George and Felicity Kendal on the Barbican this summer time.
“Alongside the rest of our fabulous cast, each of these performers brings a unique brilliance, charisma and musicality that will truly capture the glamour and sophistication of this beloved Cole Porter musical for London audiences from May onwards.”
Also on the inventive workforce are set designer Tom Rogers, sound designer Adam Fisher, lighting designer Howard Hudson, costume designer Jon Morrell and wigs designer Helen Keane. High Society is offered by Howard Panter for Trafalgar Theatre Productions and Brian and Dayna Lee in affiliation with the Barbican.
