Slow Horses and Bridgerton actors to star in High Society at the King’s

Direct from a summer season at London’s Barbican Theatre, HIGH SOCIETY will embark on a major UK & Ireland tour coming to the King’s Theatre, Glasgow from Tue 1 – Sat 5 September 2026.

Final casting is announced today for this dazzling new production of Cole Porter’s musical masterpiece, revealing an exciting line-up of stars from both stage and screen set to join the company led by Helen George as Tracy Lord. Joining Helen are Freddie Fox (Slow Horses, House of the Dragon) making his musical theatre debut playing the charismatic and unpredictable Mike Connor, Julian Ovenden (Bridgerton, Downton Abbey) as the suave and sophisticated Dexter Haven,  Nigel Lindsay (Mobland, The Capture) in the role of Uncle Willie and Malcolm Sinclair (Pie in the Sky) as Seth Lord, completing the star-studded line-up of this dazzling must-see musical event.

Based on the 1939 play ‘The Philadelphia Story’ starring Katharine Hepburn, its leading lady was based on a real American heiress – Helen Hope Montgomery Scott – whose family had Scottish roots. The sprawling family estate featured in the story is based on Montgomery Scott’s New England home Ardrossan – named for her family’s Scottish North Ayrshire origins.

This sumptuous new production is brought to life by an multi-award-winning creative team, including renowned Olivier Award-nominated director Rachel Kavanaugh (Shadowlands starring Hugh Bonneville, Half a Sixpence), legendary choreographer Anthony Van Laast (Mamma Mia, Kiss Me, Kate) with musical supervision by Stephen Ridley (The King and I, Anything Goes) leading a full orchestra. Audiences will be immersed in a dazzling world of champagne-sparkled evenings, razor-sharp comedy, and the timeless sophistication of Cole Porter in one of the great classic musicals of all time.

With music and lyrics by Cole Porter and a book by Arthur Kopit, this glittering new production promises a heady cocktail of romance, wit, mistaken identity and irresistible musical charm. Featuring Porter classics 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 the swooningly romantic True Love, HIGH SOCIETY will be the unmissable musical event of the year.

Freddie Fox makes his musical theatre debut in HIGH SOCIETY this summer marking an exciting new chapter in a career that already spans acclaimed television roles such as Slow Horses and House Of The Dragon, as well as work behind the camera as a director and producer. A member of one of Britain’s most distinguished acting dynasties he brings both pedigree and versatility to the stage with screen credits that have firmly established him as one of his generation’s most compelling performers.

Freddie said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be making my musical theatre debut in HIGH SOCIETY. It’s the realisation of a boyhood dream for me, and I can’t wait to dive into this world, the music and the sheer joy of Cole Porter.”

Julian Ovenden returns to musical theatre this summer following a celebrated screen career that includes standout roles in The Crown, Downton Abbey and Bridgerton. Renowned for his rich baritone and stage presence, he has previously earned an Olivier Award nomination for South Pacific, alongside other acclaimed musical performances, making his return in HIGH SOCIETY highly anticipated.

Julian said: “The idea of taking HIGH SOCIETY on tour is incredibly exciting. There is nothing better than bringing a show like this to audiences far and wide. It’s going to be a real celebration and I know people are going to have an incredible night out.”

They are joined by acclaimed actors Nigel Lindsay and Malcolm Sinclair. The cast for this new production of the beloved Cole Porter musical is made up of Naomi Pacquette, David Seadon-Young, James Hume, Bethany Adamson, David Austin-Barnes, Jabari Braham, George Bray, Andrew Coshan, Jordan Crouch, Frances Dee, Aaron Elijah, Tosca Fischer, Jacob Fisher, Heather Jackson, Aoife Kenny, Nell Martin, Isabel Snaas, Thomas Inge, Robin Kent, Imogen Bailey, Lucy Rice.

Producer Sir Howard Panter said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that such extraordinary actors Freddie Fox, Julian Ovenden and Nigel Lindsay will be joining Helen George in the UK and Ireland tour of HIGH SOCIETY. We have assembled a first-class creative team, alongside a truly irresistible cast to bring this classic sumptuous Cole Porter musical to some of the finest theatres direct from the Barbican.”

Clear your diary, because you’re invited to the most swell party of the year, Cole Porter’s HIGH SOCIETY. This year’s most eagerly anticipated production delivers another glorious dose of Golden Age musical theatre escapism across the UK and Ireland.

Join the 28-strong cast for this lavish new production as plans for the society wedding of the year descend into chaos, with old flames and new flames vying for attention as a sharp-eyed tabloid reporter hunts for scandal at the waterfront estate.