Last Updated on June 5, 2026
True love Hollywood style, old friends and just a little misbehaviour
4.0 out of 5.0 starsThe play, The Philadelphia Story, on which High Society is based, premiered on Broadway on 28 March 1939, starring Katharine Hepburn as Tracy Lord, a role specifically written for her. Based on a book by Arthur Kopit, the Broadway success was swiftly followed by a film of the same name starring Hepburn herself alongside Cary Grant and James Stewart. That, in turn, was transformed into the classic MGM musical comedy film, with music and lyrics by Cole Porter, starring Grace Kelly, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra. The sort of thing I turn to on a wet Sunday afternoon at home, these shows have a tremendous feel-good factor with classic Cole Porter numbers like ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’. Eventually, the film musical was adapted for the stage in 1987, and today’s revival is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, who has previously directed musical revivals like Half a Sixpence.
With a stellar cast for this High Society revival, the audience was promised a fabulous evening, and last night’s show didn’t disappoint. A brilliant band (Musical Director Stephen Ridley), both on and off stage, kept everything moving smoothly and added that all-important ‘swing’. There were no weak links in the leads or ensemble, with stunning, fast-paced choreography from Anthony Van Laas and some rather quirky moments from the suited-and-booted servants, particularly in the reprise of ‘Who Wants to Be a Millionaire’.
Leads were brilliantly cast. For my money, the vocal star was Julian Ovenden as Dexter Haven, Tracy’s ex-husband. Sensitive numbers like ‘You Do Something to Me’ and ‘Once Upon a Time’ were beautifully delivered, and Haven also presented as a genuine and charming (reformed) character. Carly Mercedes Dyer’s Liz Imbrie was another vocal powerhouse, although her vocals seemed somewhat unsupported by the sound system during ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’.
Helen George made the perfect vision of a spoiled East Coast princess. Beautifully costumed by Danielle Brysom, as was the entire cast, she danced immaculately, and her characterisation brought to life the superficially shallow and yet poignant life of the super-rich. As her fiancé, the self-made accountant, George Kittredge (David Seadon-Young), was the epitome of awkwardness, while Freddie Fox as Mike Connor, in his debut musical, was a naive and charming writer, on assignment with Liz Imbrie to report undercover for Spy magazine. Julien Ovenden’s Dexter was thoughtful and insightful.
Who wouldn’t fall in love with the brilliantly perceptive ‘little sister’ Dinah Lord, played by Naomi Pacquette or with the wickedly lascivious Uncle Willie, played by Nigel Lindsay. And, despite a beautiful British accent, Felicity Kendal made a charming and convincing Mother Lord. I’m sure the entire audience cheered when Seth, her husband (Malcolm Sinclair), apologised for his misdemeanours and asked for forgiveness, although the perfect future he was dreaming of, with his wife waiting for him by the fire, seemed somewhat incongruous, particularly given Felicity’s obvious intention to do a little misbehaving with him herself!
Throughout this production of High Society, the ghost of the great MGM film haunted me. You’ll undoubtedly leave the theatre with an earworm, tapping your toes to memories of great musical numbers. There’s a brilliant feel-good effect that in itself makes this show worth seeing. But more than that, there are underlying messages, and the casting highlights the distinct possibilities Dexter and Mike offer Tracy. Ovenden’s Dexter is perceptive, mature and well established. Mike, the author of just one book, is an intellectual sceptic, unexpectedly besotted by Tracy. We all sigh when Mike finally realises that his perfect match is the charming, sharp-eyed realist Liz Imbrie, sardonic but never bitter in a world of privileged romantics. Questions are left unanswered, though. We are left unsettled by George Kittredge’s willingness to give up his bride and, with it, his position in a privileged world. And, despite a superficially stellar performance, Helen George’s Tracy seems slightly unconvincing at the end of the show.
Without a doubt, though, High Society is something to put on your ‘must see’ list. For the brilliant music, the exemplary vocals, and the insightful and poignant performances.
High Society
Barbican Theatre
Barbican Centre
Silk Street,
London EC2Y 8DS
This new production of High Society is playing at Barbican Theatre from 19 May to 11 July 2026 before embarking on a UK and Ireland tour through to November 2026
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