High Society at the Barbican: Star Cast Revealed for 2026
A Glittering West End Revival Comes to the Barbican
London theatre lovers have plenty to celebrate as the full cast has been confirmed for a spectacular revival of Cole Porter's beloved musical High Society, set to light up the Barbican Theatre from 19 May to 11 July 2026. This marks the first major London staging of the show in more than a decade, making it one of the most anticipated london events of next year for fans of classic musical theatre.
Leading the company are two familiar television faces: Helen George, best known for Call the Midwife, takes on the role of spirited socialite Tracy Lord — a part immortalised on screen by Grace Kelly — while beloved stage and screen star Felicity Kendal plays her mother. Joining them are Freddie Fox, recognised from the acclaimed spy thriller Slow Horses, and Julian Ovenden, who charmed audiences in both Downton Abbey and Bridgerton. Together, this quartet brings enormous star power to a production that promises to be a defining moment for London's thriving theatre scene. For those planning a trip to the capital's famous london attractions, adding a night at the Barbican to your itinerary would be a wonderfully memorable choice.
The Full Cast and Creative Team Behind the Production
Beyond the headline names, High Society boasts an exceptionally strong ensemble. Olivier Award nominees Carly Mercedes Dyer, known for Anything Goes, and Nigel Lindsay, familiar from The Capture, bring considerable stage credentials to the roles of journalist Liz Imbrie and the jovial Uncle Willie respectively. Malcolm Sinclair joins as Seth Lord, while Naomi Pacquette and David Seadon-Young round out the principal cast as Dinah Lord and George Kittredge.
The wider company features nearly twenty additional performers, ensuring that the musical numbers — packed with Cole Porter classics such as ‘True Love,' ‘You're Sensational,' and the irresistible ‘Well, Did You Evah!' — will be delivered with full theatrical flair.
Behind the scenes, director Rachel Kavanaugh brings her thoughtful storytelling instincts to the production, while legendary choreographer Anthony Van Laast, the creative force behind the global phenomenon Mamma Mia!, handles the show's dance sequences. The combination of an experienced creative team and a cast of this calibre suggests that audiences are in for a genuinely special evening. The show runs approximately two and a half hours including an interval, and carries an age guidance of eight and above, making it a wonderful outing for families and theatre enthusiasts alike.
Plan Your Visit to the Barbican This Spring and Summer
The Barbican Theatre sits in the heart of the City of London, making it an ideal destination for an evening out in the capital. Whether you are arriving from across the city or visiting specifically for the show, the area is well connected by public transport and just a short journey from some of London's most iconic landmarks. A pre-show stroll around the nearby streets offers a taste of the city's rich architectural heritage — and for those making a full day of it, the West End, Soho's vibrant restaurant scene, and the surrounding cultural quarter offer plenty of ways to extend the experience.
Tickets for High Society are available now, with performances running Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, plus Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Following its Barbican run, the production will embark on a national tour, so those outside London will also have the chance to see it in due course.
With its charming story of romantic chaos, social comedy, and an unforgettable Cole Porter score, High Society is shaping up to be one of the standout london events of 2026. Early booking is strongly recommended given the exceptional cast and the limited season on offer.
