High Society Musical to Tour Leeds Grand Theatre

Classic Cole Porter Show Arrives in Leeds This August

The classic musical High Society is set to be performed at Leeds Grand Theatre from Tuesday 25 to Saturday 29 August 2026. This new production features a 28-strong cast and is part of a 20-week UK and Ireland tour following its run at the Barbican Theatre in London.

About the Production

High Society is based on the 1956 film of the same name, which itself was adapted from the 1939 stage comedy The Philadelphia Story. The story is set around a Long Island wedding in 1951, where old and new romantic interests compete for attention amid the chaos caused by a tabloid reporter searching for scandal.

The production is directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, known for her work on Shadowlands and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, with choreography by Anthony Van Laast, famous for Mamma Mia! and Bombay Dreams. Stephen Ridley serves as musical supervisor, leading the orchestra.

Cast and Music

• Helen George stars as Tracy Lord, the central character and Long Island socialite.
• Other notable cast members include Freddie Fox, Julian Ovenden, and Nigel Lindsay.

The score features classic Cole Porter songs such as Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, Well, Did You Evah!, Just One of Those Things, Let’s Misbehave, and True Love. Additionally, the production includes an expanded selection of Porter’s hits, including I’ve Got You Under My Skin, Let’s Do It, Let’s Fall in Love, and Now You Has Jazz.

Helen George on Her Role

Helen George, known for her role in Call the Midwife and the recent revival of The King and I, describes Tracy Lord as a complex character. She notes that Tracy is a divorced woman in 1951, a rarity at the time, and explores themes of independence and love.

George highlights the production’s costumes, describing them as elegant and reflective of the early 1950s style. She also emphasises the show’s joyful and uplifting nature, particularly relevant in uncertain times.

Tour and Additional Information

The production is touring across the UK and Ireland, with Leeds Grand Theatre hosting the show for five days in late August. Helen George will be accompanied by her children during the tour, which takes place during the summer holidays.

For more details on tickets and showtimes, visit the Leeds Heritage Theatres website.

Source

This article is based on information from the Leeds Heritage Theatres website: You’re invited to High Society.