There are few musical theatre experiences more effortlessly pleasurable than an evening spent in the company of Cole Porter, and Rachel Kavanaugh’s elegant new production of High Society at the Barbican delivers exactly the sort of sophisticated escapism that summer theatre audiences crave. Lavish, witty and brimming with some of the finest songs ever written for the stage, this revival feels like an invitation to a particularly glamorous party, one that audiences will be reluctant to leave.
Based on Philip Barry’s The Philadelphia Story and the beloved 1956 film adaptation, High Society centres on socialite Tracy Lord as she prepares to marry the seemingly perfect George Kittredge. The arrival of her charismatic former husband Dexter Haven, together with a pair of journalists searching for scandal, throws the carefully orchestrated wedding plans into delightful disarray.
Helen George proves a captivating Tracy, bringing warmth, intelligence and a welcome sense of vulnerability to a role forever associated with Grace Kelly. She anchors the production with effortless charm, while Julian Ovenden exudes easy sophistication as Dexter. Freddie Fox makes an impressive musical theatre debut as reporter Mike Connor, bringing humour, charisma and a natural stage presence to the role, while Carly Mercedes Dyer is a sparkling presence as photographer Liz Imbrie.
The supporting cast is equally strong. Nigel Lindsay supplies much of the evening’s comic energy as the irrepressible Uncle Willie, while Felicity Kendal is a particular delight as Tracy’s mother, delivering some of the production’s biggest laughs with impeccable timing and effortless elegance. Her presence lends an added layer of warmth and sophistication to an already accomplished ensemble.
Visually, the production is a triumph. Tom Rogers’ set evokes East Coast privilege with just the right balance of grandeur and playfulness, while the glamorous costumes perfectly capture the world of cocktail parties, sailing clubs and old-money glamour. Anthony Van Laast’s choreography fills the stage with energy and movement, creating a sense of celebration that rarely lets up. There is an infectious sense of occasion throughout, enhanced by a superb orchestra that allows Porter’s glorious score to shine in all its sophistication.
And what a score it is. From the sparkling irreverence of “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” to the romance of “True Love”, the irresistible exuberance of “Now You Has Jazz” and the perennial delight of “Well, Did You Evah?”, the production never goes long without reminding audiences why Porter remains one of musical theatre’s greatest composers. Each number is delivered with style, polish and considerable vocal flair.
What ultimately makes this production so enjoyable is its refusal to overcomplicate matters. Rather than attempting to reinvent the material, Kavanaugh embraces its elegance, humour and romance. The result is a production that feels gloriously timeless. In an era when many revivals strive to make a statement, High Society is content simply to entertain, and it does so with considerable skill.
Buoyant, glamorous and irresistibly enjoyable, High Society delivers exactly what audiences hope for from a summer musical: laughter, romance, memorable songs and a touch of old Hollywood magic. Beautifully staged and performed with flair, this sparkling revival proves that some classics never lose their appeal.
High Society
Venue: Barbican Theatre, Silk St, London EC2Y 8DS
Running Time: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes, including an interval
Booking Period: Until 11 July 2026, before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour.
