Helen George and Felicity Kendal to star in 'High Society' at the Barbican

With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Arthur Kopit, the musical includes classic songs such as "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", "I Love Paris", "Well Did You Evah?", "Just One Of Those Things", "Let’s Misbehave", "You’re Sensational", and "True Love".

Summary

• Call the Midwife actor Helen George and The Good Life's Felicity Kendal will star in Cole Porter's High Society
• Performances begin at the Barbican in London next summer
• High Society centres on the society wedding on the year and the chaos that ensues

A new production of Cole Porter's High Society will head to the Barbican in London next summer. Performances will begin on 19 May for a limited eight-week season.

Helen George (Call the Midwife, The King and I) and Felicity Kendal (The Good Life, Anything Goes) will lead the cast in Porter's musical about the society wedding of the year, which descends into chaos as old and new flames compete for attention.

George said: “I am delighted to be returning to the stage in Cole Porter’s musical comedy masterpiece High Society to play Tracy Samantha Lord in a brand-new production directed by Rachel Kavanaugh next year. Theatre is my first love and I adored playing the iconic role of Anna in The King and I, so I jumped at the chance to flex my musical comedy chops and play Tracy. Cole Porter’s musicals are packed with his signature wit, glamour and unforgettable tunes and High Society is no exception. I am also thrilled it will be launching at the Barbican before embarking on a major UK tour. I can’t wait for audiences to enjoy a sparkling evening of comedy, romance, and sheer musical joy.”

Kendal said: “I am delighted to be returning to the Barbican in High Society, another Cole Porter musical comedy masterpiece. I so enjoyed my time at the Barbican in Anything Goes, I couldn’t think of a more perfect summer treat and leapt at the chance to join this brand-new production directed by Rachel Kavanaugh and choreographed by Anthony Van Laast next summer. There is nothing quite like the thrill of a live audience experiencing a great show together and nobody does musical comedy like the genius that is Cole Porter. I cannot wait to get started and I know that audiences are in for the perfect musical summer treat next year.”

The creative team includes director Rachel Kavanaugh (currently directing Hugh Bonneville in Shadowlands in the West End), choreographer Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia!, Kiss Me, Kate) with musical supervision by Stephen Ridley (The King and I, Anything Goes).

With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Arthur Kopit, the musical includes classic songs such as "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire", "I Love Paris", "Well Did You Evah?", "Just One Of Those Things", "Let’s Misbehave", "You’re Sensational", and "True Love".

Producer Sir Howard Panter added: “Following the tremendous success of our summer seasons at the Barbican over recent years, including Anything Goes, Kiss Me, Kate, Fiddler on the Roof and Good Night, Oscar we are delighted to be returning once again to showcase Cole Porter’s sophisticated classic High Society for a limited season. It has everything one could wish for in a Golden Age Musical - glamour, mistaken identity, romance, glorious music, and sheer irresistible fun. With the wonderful Helen George leading our exceptional company, High Society promises to be the perfect summer celebration for London audiences.”

Following the Barbican season, the musical will immediately embark on a major 20-week UK and Ireland tour, starring Helen George.

Further casting is yet to be announced.

Check back for High Society tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Helen George and Felicity Kendal. (Courtesy of production)