High Society at the Churchill Theatre 7 October 2026

The musical High Society was the summer show at the Barbican with an all-star cast including Helen George and Julian Ovenden. We nearly booked but then discovered it was coming on tour in the autumn and was at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley. Consequently 51 U3A members from Bromley and Beckenham U3As came with great anticipation to the theatre on a rainy afternoon in October.

We were not disappointed. It was a great afternoon full of nostalgia. Great 40s dresses and outfits were remarked on by members and Cole Porter songs we all remember including: Who wants to be a millionaire, True love, Let’s misbehave, Well, did you evah! All performed and danced with great skill and timing.

The show set in Newport, Rhode Island, the story is simply of the approaching Society wedding of the year and how it descends into chaos, with old and new acquaintances, reporters and photographers all in attendance.

This production was hailed as five star at the Barbican and with “pure theatrical escapism “ and “studded with diamond performances from a top-notch cast” and I think that we all agreed with this as the full theatre applauded at the end.

Contributed by Mary Garside