British stage and screen icon Felicity Kendal is set to make a triumphant return to the London theatre scene, taking on a leading role in a new production of the classic Cole Porter musical, High Society. The actress, who turns 80 next year, will grace the Barbican stage from May 16 for an eight-week run before the show embarks on a national tour.
A Stage Veteran's Joyful Return
Kendal, still widely celebrated for her role as Barbara Good in the beloved sitcom The Good Life, is no stranger to musical theatre. She made her stage musical debut just four years ago, winning acclaim for her performance in Anything Goes at the same Barbican venue. That experience clearly left a lasting impression. 'I am delighted to be returning to the Barbican in High Society – another Cole Porter musical comedy masterpiece,' Kendal said. 'I so enjoyed my time at the Barbican in Anything Goes, I couldn't think of a more perfect summer treat.'
In the production, directed by Rachel Kavanaugh, Kendal will play the role of Tracy Lord's mother. She will have a significant solo number, Throwing A Ball Tonight, as her character prepares for her daughter's wedding. The role of the socialite bride, Tracy Lord, will be taken by Helen George, 41, best known for her long-running role in BBC's Call The Midwife. George expressed her excitement, stating she 'jumped at the chance to flex my musical comedy chops' and praised Porter's 'signature wit, glamour and unforgettable tunes'.
From Screen to Stage: A Storied Legacy
The musical High Society is based on the play The Philadelphia Story and follows the story of Long Island heiress Tracy Lord as her wedding plans are complicated by the arrival of her ex-husband and a pair of journalists. The 1956 film adaptation famously starred Grace Kelly in her final role before becoming Princess of Monaco. The stage show features beloved songs including Who Wants To Be A Millionaire and Well, Did You Evah.
Tickets for the Barbican run went on sale on December 8 and can be purchased via the official website, HighSocietyMusical.com. Following its London engagement, the production will tour nationally, a fact Helen George said she was particularly pleased about, hoping to bring 'a sparkling evening of comedy, romance, and sheer musical joy' to audiences across the country.
Other Entertainment News in Brief
In other showbiz updates, Mariah Carey is reportedly facing challenges in selling out her Christmastime In Las Vegas residency at the Park MGM, with many tickets remaining unsold just days before performances. A similar trend is noted for Leona Lewis's festive shows in Vegas, though a source for Lewis claimed her dates have been sold out so far.
Elsewhere, Hugh Jackman has tipped his co-star Kate Hudson for an Academy Award for their performance in the new film Song Sung Blue, a story about a Neil Diamond tribute band. The pair recently received a Musical Tribute award in New York.
The BBC has announced a major new drama, Hamburg Days, which will chronicle The Beatles' formative years in Germany. The six-part series, unauthorised by the band's estates, will focus on the period from 1960-62 and is slated for release in 2027.
Finally, Netflix boss Ted Sarandos faced minor controversy after omitting David Harbour from a list of praised actors in a post about Stranger Things, and author Colleen Hoover expressed regret over the film adaptation of her book It Ends With Us, citing legal disputes between its stars.
