The cast for one of the most anticipated musical revivals of 2026 has been revealed, and it reads like a who's who of British stage and screen talent. Freddie Fox and Julian Ovenden are among the star names confirmed for High Society, Cole Porter's beloved musical comedy, which opens at the Barbican on 19 May 2026 for a strictly limited run through to 11 July.
They join the previously announced Helen George and Felicity Kendal in what promises to be a glamorous, large-scale production brought to life with a full orchestra, a 28-strong company, and some of the most iconic songs in the American songbook.
A Stellar Cast for a Classic Musical
Freddie Fox, best known to television audiences for his role in the hit Apple TV+ series Slow Horses, brings considerable stage pedigree to the production. Julian Ovenden, a seasoned presence in both musical theatre and television (including his memorable turn in Downton Abbey), is another major draw. The pair join Helen George, beloved for her long-running role in Call the Midwife, who takes on the central part of socialite Tracy Lord. The legendary Felicity Kendal, whose career spans decades of distinguished work from The Good Life to Rosemary and Thyme, completes the leading quartet.
Further bolstering the line-up are three performers with impressive musical theatre credentials. Carly Mercedes Dyer, celebrated for her work in A Chorus Line, Nigel Lindsay, who earned plaudits in Kiss Me, Kate, and Malcolm Sinclair, familiar from both stage and screen (including Pie in the Sky), all take prominent roles.
Rounding out the company are Naomi Pacquette as Dinah Lord, David Seadon-Young as George Kittredge, and James Hume as Chester, Butler. The ensemble features 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, and Isabel Snaas, with swings Thomas Inge (who also serves as dance captain), Robin Kent, Imogen Bailey, and Lucy Rice.
What Is High Society About?
Based on Philip Barry's 1939 play The Philadelphia Story and the celebrated 1956 film starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra, High Society is a sparkling comedy of manners set among the upper echelons of American society. The story centres on Tracy Lord, a wealthy socialite on the eve of her second wedding. Over the course of a single, chaotic weekend, the arrival of her charming ex-husband, a pair of tabloid journalists, and an assortment of opinionated relatives threatens to derail proceedings entirely.
It is a show that balances sharp wit with genuine romance, and the musical adaptation wraps the whole affair in the incomparable melodies of Cole Porter. The score includes timeless numbers such as "Let's Misbehave", "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", "I Love Paris", and the exuberant duet "Well, Did You Evah?". These songs have endured for decades and remain staples of the American songbook, making High Society a treat for fans of classic musical theatre.
An Award-Winning Creative Team
The production is helmed by director Rachel Kavanaugh, whose extensive credits in musical theatre and classic revivals make her a natural fit for material of this calibre. Kavanaugh has earned a reputation for bringing warmth, energy, and visual flair to large-scale productions, and her involvement signals serious ambition for this revival.
Choreography is by Anthony Van Laast, one of the most decorated figures in British musical theatre. Van Laast's work has graced the West End and Broadway for decades, earning him Olivier Awards and a reputation for creating dynamic, show-stopping dance sequences. With a full orchestra accompanying the 28-member company, audiences can expect a production that embraces the grandeur and sophistication that Cole Porter's music demands.
The Barbican: A Fitting Venue for a Grand Revival
The Barbican is one of London's most prestigious arts centres, and its main theatre offers the scale and technical capabilities needed to do justice to a production of this size. The venue has a proud history of hosting major musical theatre events alongside its renowned programme of drama, dance, and classical music. For High Society, the Barbican's spacious stage will accommodate the full orchestra and large ensemble, creating an immersive and visually stunning experience.
The choice of venue also reflects the growing trend of major musical revivals finding homes outside the traditional West End theatres, offering audiences a different kind of theatrical experience in a world-class setting.
Why This Revival Matters
High Society has not been seen on the London stage in a major production for some time, and this revival arrives at a moment when audiences are hungry for lavish, feel-good musical theatre. The combination of a beloved score, a high-profile cast drawn from both television and the stage, and a top-tier creative team makes this one of the standout events of the summer 2026 season.
There is also something particularly appealing about the casting choices here. By bringing together actors who are household names through television with performers rooted in musical theatre, the production is positioned to attract a broad audience. Fans of Slow Horses, Call the Midwife, and Downton Abbey may be drawn to the Barbican for the first time, while musical theatre devotees will relish the chance to hear Cole Porter performed with a full orchestra and a company of this quality.
Should You Book?
With a limited run of less than two months, High Society is the kind of production that could sell out quickly, particularly given the star power of its cast. If you enjoy classic musicals, Cole Porter's music, or simply the prospect of a glamorous night out at one of London's finest venues, this is well worth securing tickets for sooner rather than later.
The combination of Rachel Kavanaugh's direction, Anthony Van Laast's choreography, and a cast led by Freddie Fox, Julian Ovenden, Helen George, and Felicity Kendal is a compelling proposition. Whether you are a lifelong fan of the 1956 film or discovering the story for the first time, this promises to be one of the highlights of the London theatre calendar this summer.
High Society plays at the Barbican from 19 May to 11 July 2026.
Looking for more to see this season? Browse our full list of London shows, discover the latest musicals on stage, or explore all our theatre news and features.
Susan Novak has a lifelong passion for theatre. With a degree in English, she brings a deep appreciation for storytelling and drama to her writing. She also loves reading and poetry. When not attending shows, Susan enjoys exploring new work and sharing her enthusiasm for the performing arts, aiming to inspire others to experience the magic of theatre.
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