High Society Tickets
Opens 19th May
The vibrant and hilarious Cole Porter returns to London for the first time in over a decade, starring Felicity Kendal.
High Society in London!
Get ready to misbehave as Cole Porter’s Golden Age musical High Society returns to London for the first time in over a decade. This brand new production stars The Good Life’s Felicity Kendal and Call The Midwife's Helen George, and comes to the Barbican, just a short walk from Moorgate, for a strictly limited run this spring. Don’t miss this hilarious, witty and sharply satirical musical all about the romantic misadventures of a stuck-up socialite.
What is the musical High Society about?
Set in a wealthy enclave near New York City, High Society follows the romantic entanglements of Tracy Lord, a poised and independent socialite preparing for her second wedding. When her charming ex-husband, Dexter Haven, returns unexpectedly, with a pair of undercover reporters in tow, old flames reignite, and complications ensue. As the wedding approaches, Tracy must untangle her feelings and choose between her polished fiancé, her persistent ex, and a journalist who sees past her upper-crust exterior.
Packed with Cole Porter classics like ”Ridin’ High”, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, and “Let’s Misbehave,” the musical blends screwball comedy, class satire, and heartfelt romance into a sparkling tale of love, second chances, and social spectacle.
The History of High Society
High Society is based on Philip Barry’s comedy play The Philadelphia Story, as well as the 1956 film adaptation, High Society. The musical blends Porter's original songs with a new book by Arthur Kopit and additional lyrics by Susan Birkenhead. The show first premiered at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco in 1997 before transferring to Broadway. The Broadway cast featured a 12-year-old Anna Kendrick in the role of Dinah Lord, a performance that earned Kendrick a Theatre World Award and a Tony nomination. The production ran for 144 performances and earned two Tony nominations before closing in 1998.
Across the pond, a different version of High Society, using Cole Porter’s songs but a separate book by Richard Eyre, premiered in the West End at the Victoria Palace Theatre in 1987, running for over 400 performances. The UK premiere of the Arthur Kopit version came later, with a summer 2003 production at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, followed by a UK tour, and a West End transfer, running from 2005 to 2006.
One of the most acclaimed revivals came in 2015 at The Old Vic in London. Directed by Maria Friedman, this production presented High Society in the round, creating an intimate and immersive atmosphere. This brand new 2026 production marks the show's return to London for the first time in over a decade.
Who are the cast of High Society?
Strictly Come Dancing stars Felicity Kendal (Arcadia, Rosemary & Thyme, The Good Life) and Helen George (Call The Midwife, The Three Musketeers) lead the cast, with more cast members to be announced.
Who are the creative team of High Society?
Music and lyrics are by Cole Porter. Porter (1891-1964) was one of the most celebrated American composers and lyricists of the 20th century, renowned for his sophisticated, witty, and urbane songs. He composed dozens of Broadway scores during the 1920s through the 1950s, and his best-known works include Anything Goes, Kiss Me, Kate, and Can-Can. Kiss Me, Kate earned Porter the first-ever Tony Award for Best Musical in 1949, along with awards for Best Composer and Lyricist.
Arthur Kopit (1937 - 2021) was a Tony- and Pulitzer-nominated American playwright and librettist. He rose to prominence in the early 1960s with his absurdist satire Oh Dad, Poor Dad, Mamma’s Hung You in the Closet and I’m Feelin’ So Sad, which premiered Off-Broadway and quickly became a critical success. His other notable works include plays Indians, Wings, End of the World with Symposium to Follow, and the book for Broadway musical Nine, adapted from Fellini’s film 8½.
Further members of the creative team are to be announced.
Book Tickets for High Society at the Barbican Today!
You’ll be “Ridin’ High” this spring as this brand new production of High Society twirls onto the stage at the Barbican for a strictly limited run. Strictly star Helen George and TV Legend Felicity Kendal lead the cast as this fizzing, hilarious and vibrant music returns to London for the first time in over a decade. You won't want to miss it - book tickets for High Society at the Barbican today!
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is High Society playing in London?
High Society is playing at the Barbican Theatre, Silk Street, London, EC2Y 8DS.
Can I buy tickets for High Society at the box office?
Yes you can buy from the Barbican Theatre box office where you will pay the face value ticket price, sometimes with a small booking fee. Search on SeatPlan to get the best prices and deals in one search.
What is the refund / cancellation policy?
Tickets for High Society are generally non-refundable and non-exchangeable.
SeatPlan works with multiple suppliers to find the best deal for you. Each supplier has their own refund and cancellation policy, which you can review on the payment page before you complete your purchase.
