HIGH SOCIETY ARRIVES AT THE BARBICAN
The Barbican welcomes audiences to the most stylish party of the summer as High Society, Cole Porter's beloved musical comedy, arrives in a dazzling new production directed by Rachel Kavanaugh.
Photo Credit: The Culture Digest
Running at the Barbican Theatre until 11 July before embarking on a major UK and Ireland tour, the production brings together a star-studded cast, a celebrated creative team, and some of Porter's most iconic songs. It has been hailed as five-star pure theatrical escapism with diamond performances from a top notch cast.
Leading the performance is Helen George (Call the Midwife, The King and I) as the glamorous Tracy Lord, Felicity Kendal, Freddie Fox, Julian Ovenden, Carly Mercedes Dyer, Nigel Lindsay, and Malcolm Sinclair. Together, they bring fresh energy and wit to a sparkling tale of romance, second chances, and society scandal.
Photo Credit: The Culture Digest
Set against the backdrop of a luxurious Long Island estate, High Society follows socialite Tracy Lord as preparations for the wedding of the year are thrown into delightful chaos by the unexpected return of her former husband and the arrival of a sharp-witted reporter in search of a headline. Filled with mistaken identities, romantic entanglements, and irresistible charm, the musical captures the elegance and sophistication that have made it a classic for generations.
Featuring a score packed with Cole Porter favourites including True Love, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Well, Did You Evah?, I Love Paris, Let's Misbehave, and You're Sensational, the production is brought to life by choreographer Anthony Van Laast and musical supervisor Stephen Ridley, accompanied by a full orchestra.
Since opening, the production has received praise for its glamour, lavish staging and musical excellence, with critics celebrating its "swellegant" style, dynamic choreography and timeless appeal.
Following the success of previous Barbican musical seasons including Anything Goes and Kiss Me, Kate, High Society continues the venue's tradition of presenting large-scale revivals of classic musical theatre, offering audiences a joyous evening of escapism, romance and world-class entertainment.
High Society is the most swell part of the year!
About High Society
Based on Philip Barry's The Philadelphia Story and the classic MGM film, High Society features music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Arthur Kopit. The musical remains one of the most beloved celebrations of romance, comedy and high-society glamour in the American musical theatre canon.
Barbican Centre is one of Europe's leading arts and learning organisations, presenting an international programme of theatre, music, dance, visual arts, film and creative learning events to audiences from around the world.
🗓 Running at the Barbican Theatre until 11th July
🎟 Tickets available here