The star-studded company for this summer's major revival of Cole Porter's High Society has been confirmed, and it reads like a who's who of British stage and screen talent. The Barbican will host the lavish musical production from 19 May until 11 July 2026, promising one of the most glamorous theatrical events of the season.
A Stellar Cast Takes Shape
Joining the previously announced leading ladies Helen George (best known as Nurse Trixie Franklin in Call the Midwife) and Felicity Kendal (beloved for The Good Life and Rosemary and Thyme) are two heavyweight additions. Freddie Fox, who has earned widespread acclaim for his role in the hit Apple TV+ spy thriller Slow Horses, and Julian Ovenden, familiar to millions from his appearances in Downton Abbey, will both take principal roles in this Cole Porter classic.
The casting doesn't stop there. Carly Mercedes Dyer, who dazzled in A Chorus Line, brings formidable musical theatre credentials to the company. Nigel Lindsay, who earned rave reviews in the West End revival of Kiss Me, Kate, and Malcolm Sinclair, a veteran of stage and screen known for Pie in the Sky, round out the leading ensemble.
The Full Company Revealed
Beyond the headline names, the production boasts a 28-strong company that signals the ambitious scale of this revival. Naomi Pacquette takes on the role of Dinah Lord, while David Seadon-Young plays George Kittredge and James Hume appears as Chester, the Butler.
The ensemble features a wealth of talented performers: 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. The swing team comprises Thomas Inge (who also serves as dance captain), Robin Kent, Imogen Bailey, and Lucy Rice.
With a company of this size, audiences can expect the kind of large-scale ensemble numbers that have become increasingly rare in contemporary musical theatre. It is a commitment to spectacle and showmanship that feels entirely fitting for a Cole Porter show.
What Is High Society About?
For those unfamiliar with the source material, High Society centres on the glamorous socialite Tracy Lord as preparations for her high-profile second wedding spiral gloriously out of control over the course of a single weekend. The arrival of a tabloid journalist and photographer, along with the unexpected reappearance of her first husband, throws the carefully planned society event into delightful chaos.
The musical is based on Philip Barry's play The Philadelphia Story, which was famously adapted into the 1940 film starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, and James Stewart. The 1956 musical film version, starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra, introduced Cole Porter's sparkling score to the story, and it is this version that forms the basis of the stage musical.
Helen George steps into the role originated on screen by Grace Kelly, a part that demands both comedic timing and genuine emotional depth. With Felicity Kendal providing additional star power, this production brings together television popularity and theatrical pedigree in equal measure.
Cole Porter's Timeless Score
One of the most compelling reasons to see High Society is the opportunity to hear some of Cole Porter's finest compositions performed live with a full orchestra. The show features a string of numbers that have become standards of the American songbook, including "Let's Misbehave", "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?", "I Love Paris", and the irresistibly witty "Well, Did You Evah?".
Porter's music is characterised by sophisticated wordplay, infectious melodies, and a sense of urbane wit that perfectly matches the champagne-soaked world of the story. Hearing these songs performed by a large orchestra in the Barbican's exceptional acoustic environment should be a real treat for musical theatre enthusiasts and Porter devotees alike.
The decision to stage the production with a full orchestra is noteworthy at a time when many West End and major London productions have scaled back their musical forces. It speaks to the ambition of this revival and the Barbican's commitment to presenting work at the highest production standard.
Award-Winning Creative Team
Behind the scenes, High Society is in highly capable hands. Rachel Kavanaugh directs the production. Kavanaugh has built a distinguished career in musical theatre and large-scale revivals, and her understanding of how to balance comedy, romance, and spectacle makes her an ideal fit for Porter's sophisticated world.
Choreography comes from Anthony Van Laast, one of the most decorated choreographers working in British theatre. Van Laast's credits include original choreography for Mamma Mia! and numerous other West End and international productions, and his work has earned him multiple Olivier Award nominations and wins. With a 28-strong company at his disposal and Porter's rhythmically inventive score to work with, expect the dance sequences to be a highlight of the production.
The Barbican: A Grand Setting for a Grand Musical
The Barbican Theatre, with its 1,166-seat capacity, provides an intimate yet spacious setting for a show of this scale. The venue has a strong track record of hosting high-quality musical theatre productions and transfers, and its technical capabilities make it well suited to the kind of lavish staging that High Society demands.
The limited run, spanning just under two months from 19 May to 11 July 2026, means that this is very much a finite engagement. Productions of this calibre at the Barbican tend to attract strong demand, particularly when the cast list features this level of star quality from both stage and screen.
Should You Book?
This production has all the ingredients of a must-see summer event. A beloved Cole Porter score performed with a full orchestra, a cast headlined by familiar television faces alongside genuine musical theatre heavyweights, an award-winning creative team, and a prestigious London venue. For fans of classic musicals, this represents a rare chance to see a golden-age score given the full-scale treatment it deserves.
The combination of Freddie Fox's rising star power, Julian Ovenden's proven musical theatre ability, Helen George's audience appeal, and Felicity Kendal's theatrical authority suggests a production that could attract both regular theatregoers and those drawn by the screen credentials of the leads. With a limited eight-week run, early booking is likely to be wise.
Tickets for High Society at the Barbican are available now for performances from 19 May to 11 July 2026.
Looking for more musicals to see in London? Browse our full list of current and upcoming shows, or check out our latest 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.
Stay in the spotlight
Get the latest theatre news, reviews and exclusive offers straight to your inbox.
