How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Synopsis

A vivacious satire on sharp-practice and ruthless ambition in the world of big business from the writer and composer of Guys and Dolls. With the aid of his bible, 'How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying', J. Pierpoint Finch rises irresistibly from window-cleaner to Chairman of the Board at World Wide Wickets, breaking hearts and stabbing backs along the way. Frank Loesser's score bristles with snappy numbers like 'Coffee Break', 'A Secretary is Not a Toy' and 'Been a Long Day', the exuberant 'Brother of Man' and the gorgeous 'I Believe In You'. The show won seven Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for drama when it opened on Broadway.

Our Review:

6 May 2005

Despite a title that’s more than a mouthful, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying manages to keep its tongue firmly in its cheek, and, nearly half a century on, this satirical look at office life in the Fifties shows that nothing much has changed.

Joe McFadden (pictured) plays window washer J Pierrepont Finch with disarmingly innocent and candid insincerity. Following the instructions in the book of the title (voiced by Alistair McGowan), he enters the world of big business and quickly scales the corporate ladder to the position of Vice President, missing few opportunities to stab his colleagues in the back on the way. In keeping with this year’s Festival theme of “Con Art”, Ponty never actually lies, but cleverly manages to give everyone the impression that he’s charming, hardworking, and well connected.

Everyone, that is, except the Big Boss’ nephew Bud Frump, a not-very-bright mother’s boy in an inspired, comically athletic perfor...

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Latest User Review

195.92.67.77) - 8 September 2005:

Just wish to record a hearty "here here" for the other views. stunning production and a near full house for alate matinee too....

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