High Society revival brings Helen George & Felicity Kendal to the Barbican next summer
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* High Society revival stars **Helen George** and **Felicity Kendal**
* Playing at the Barbican Theatre, London, from 19 May to 11 July 2026.
* Buy tickets from us from 11am on Monday, 8 December 2025
**Helen George** and **Felicity Kendal** are set to star in a dazzling new revival of *High Society* at the Barbican Theatre in London. The production opens 19 May 2026 and runs for a strictly limited eight-week season until 11 July 2026, before heading out on a UK tour. This marks the first large-scale London staging of **Cole Porter**’s classic musical in over a decade.
### **Who’s starring in *High Society*?**
**Helen George** (*Call the Midwife*, *The King and I*, *Strictly Come Dancing*) plays the glamorous socialite Tracy Lord, a role made famous by **Grace Kelly** in the 1956 film. She is joined by stage and screen favourite **Felicity Kendal** (*Indian Ink*, *Noises Off*, *The Good Life*) as Tracy’s mother, Mother Lord. **Kendal** returns to the Barbican following her acclaimed performance in *Anything Goes* in 2021. Additional casting will be announced soon.
### **When and where is *High Society* playing?**
The show runs at Barbican Theatre, London, from 19 May to 11 July 2026, offering a limited opportunity to experience this Golden Age musical live on the West End stage.
### **Creative team**
**Rachel Kavanaugh** (*Clueless The Musical*) directs, with choreography by **Anthony Van Laast** (*Mamma Mia!*). Music & Lyrics by **Cole Porter**, Book by **Arthur Kopit**, and Additional Lyrics by **Susan Birkenhead**.
### **What’s the story of *High Society*?**
Based on *The Philadelphia Story* and the classic MGM film, *High Society* follows Tracy Lord, a glamorous Long Island socialite, whose perfectly planned wedding is upended by the unexpected return of her charming ex-husband and the persistent tabloid reporter covering the event. As romantic tensions rise and misunderstandings multiply, Tracy must navigate questions of love, loyalty, and who truly deserves her heart, all against a backdrop of high-society glamour and sparkling comedy.
### **The music of *High Society***
With music and lyrics by **Cole Porter,** *High Society* features a score full of timeless classics. Expect hits like “True Love,” “You’re Sensational,” “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and “Well, Did You Evah!”, all sparkling with Porter’s signature wit and sophistication. The songs bring energy, romance, and a touch of glamour to this elegant musical comedy.
### **How can I get *High Society* tickets?**
We go on sale with tickets for the London revival of [High Society](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/musical/high-society-tickets) at the [Barbican Theatre](https://www.londontheatredirect.com/venue/barbican-london) at 11am on Monday, 8 December 2025. Be ready to book early for this strictly limited eight-week season.