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High Society Tickets
Cole Porter’s High Society returns to London in 2026 for a major new revival at the Barbican Theatre, starring Helen George (Call the Midwife, The King and I) as Tracy Lord and Felicity Kendal (Noises Off, The Good Life) as Mother Lord. This strictly limited eight-week season marks the first large-scale London production in over a decade.
Expect a glamorous, Golden Age experience filled with iconic songs, elegant staging, and the sparkle of two beloved stars of stage and screen. Secure your High Society tickets early to enjoy this lavish musical before it begins its UK tour.
About High Society
This new revival of High Society, directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, brings Cole Porter’s classic musical comedy back to life with wit, romance and a full-size orchestra performing hits like “True Love,” “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” and “Well, Did You Evah!”
Inspired by The Philadelphia Story, the musical follows glamorous socialite Tracy Lord as her wedding plans unravel thanks to an ex-husband, a persistent reporter and a cascade of champagne-fuelled complications. It’s elegant, funny and filled with timeless Porter charm.
Facts and Critical Acclaim
- Starring Helen George and Felicity Kendal, two of the UK’s favourite performers.
- The first major London revival since 2015.
- Includes some of Cole Porter’s most enduring songs.
- The musical is based on the much-loved MGM movie starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra.
High Society Creatives
- Director – Rachel Kavanaugh
- Choreographer – Anthony Van Laast
- Music & Lyrics – Cole Porter
- Book – Arthur Kopit
- Additional Lyrics– Susan Birkenhead
High Society Cast
- Tracy Lord- Helen George
- Mother Lord - Felicity Kendal
- Further casting is to be announced.
Please Bear in Mind
High Society is playing at the Barbican Theatre in London from 19 May to 11 July 2026. As this is a strictly limited season early booking is recommended.
Latest High Society News
News / Celebrities / Casting / New Shows + Transfers
Spotlight on: Felicity Kendal
Felicity Kendal has been a defining presence in British theatre and television for more than five decades. Born in the West Midlands, she grew up touring with her family’s repertory company in India before returning to the UK in her teens. Instead of formal drama school, Kendal’s training was shaped by the stage itself; she learned her craft through constant performance, observation, and the discipline of repertory theatre.
Her long-standing professional relationship with playwright Tom Stoppard became a defining thread in her career. The two worked together repeatedly from the early 1980s onwards, and Kendal originated roles in several of Stoppard’s major plays, establishing one of modern theatre’s most significant actor-writer collaborations. Along the way, she earned multiple honours, including a BAFTA nomination, the Clarence Derwent Award, and the Evening Standard Theatre Award for Best Actress. In 1995 she received a CBE for her services to Drama.
Where have you seen her before?
Kendal’s stage career flourished through the 1980s and 1990s, particularly through her close association with Tom Stoppard. She starred in the first productions of On the Razzle, The Real Thing, Hapgood, and Arcadia, roles that showcased her precision, timing, and intellectual lightness.
She also became one of director Peter Hall’s most frequent collaborators, appearing in ten of his productions. Her roles ranged from Constanze Mozart in Amadeus to Esme in Amy’s View, demonstrating her ability to effortlessly, and successfully, move between period drama, contemporary writing. Outside the theatre, millions know her as Rosemary Boxer in the cosy crime drama Rosemary & Thyme.
12 Dec, 2025 | By Sian McBride
News / Features / Celebrities / Casting / New Shows + Transfers
High Society revival brings Helen George & Felicity Kendal to the Barbican next summer
- 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.
5 Dec, 2025 | By Hay Brunsdon
Opens 19 May 2026