Booking to 17 June 2023
“Georgie Rankom’s deliciously queered-up production” – TimeOut
How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying is revived at Southwark Playhouse this Spring starring Olivier Award winner Tracie Bennett.
A satire of big business and all it holds sacred, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying is a comic gem that took Broadway by storm in 1961, winning both the Tony Award for Best Musical and a Pulitzer Prize.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying boasts an exhilarating score by Frank Loesser – one of America’s great composer/lyricists also responsible for ‘Guys & Dolls’ – with songs including ‘I Believe in You’, ‘Brotherhood of Man’ and ‘The Company Way’.
Acclaimed, Olivier Award winner Tracie Bennett (Follies, Hangmen), stars as big boss J B Biggley, with Gabrielle Friedman (Stephen Sondheim’s Old Friends) as J. Pierrepont Finch, and Ru Paul’s Drag Race Michelle Visage providing the voice of ‘The Book’.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying runs from 12 May to 17 June 2023 at Southwark Playhouse Borough London.
What's the story of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying?
Set in New York in the early 1960s, How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying chronicles the meteoric rise of J. Pierrepont Finch, a young window cleaner who buys a book about rising up the corporate ladder. After following the book’s instructions, Pierrepont Finch soars to the top of his company, dodging more than a few obstacles on the way. These come in the form of rivals such as Bud Frump and J. B. Biggley. According to the book, professional life and work life shouldn’t mix. This is a rule that Finch finds hard to follow when he falls in love with Rosemary, one of his company’s secretaries. As Finch’s confidence grows, he relies more on his charm and less on the book. A dangerous move indeed…
Who is in the cast of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying?
Tracie Bennett (she/her) as J B Biggley
Gabrielle Friedman (she/they) as J. Pierrepont Finch
The voice of Michelle Visage as ‘The Book’
The cast also includes Annie Aitken (she/her) as Hedy LaRue; Taylor Bradshaw (he/him) as Mr Bert Bratt; Allie Daniel (she/her) as Rosemary Pilkington; Elliot Gooch (he/him) as Bud Frump; Grace Kanyamibwa (she/her) as Miss Jones; Danny Lane (he/him) as Mr Twimble/Mr Wally Womper; Milo McCarthy (they/them) as Mr Milton Gatch; and Verity Power (she/her) as Smitty.
Who are the creative team of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying?
Music & Lyrics by Frank Loesser; Book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock & Willie Gilbert. Based on the novel by Shepherd Mead.
The full creative team includes Director Georgie Rankcom (they/them), Choreographer Alexzandra Sarmiento (she/her), Musical Director Natalie Pound (she/her), Set and Costume Designer Sophia Pardon (she/her) Lighting Designer Lucía Sánchez Roldán (she/her), Sound Designer Joshua Robins (he/him), Orchestrator Stuart Morley (he/him), Stage Manager Waverley Moran (she/they), Production Manager Misha Mah (they/them), Casting Director Peter Noden (he/him), Producer / General Manager Jodee Conrad (she/her).
Reviews of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
"The singing is strong and spirited" - The Times"Georgie Rankom’s deliciously queered-up production" - TimeOut
"Brilliant, thought-provoking" - The Stage
Show Information
Matinees: Tuesday, Saturday
Performance information is for guidance only. Check booking calendar for details.
Show Photos
Cast Highlights
Ticket Offers
Save up to 40% | Tickets from £25Valid Monday - Friday until 12 June 2023. Book by 11 Jun 2023
Venue Information
Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London, SE1 6BDNearest Tube or Train: Elephant & Castle (Bakerloo line, Northern line)
Nearest Buses: 35, 40, 133, 136, 333, 343, C10, N35, N133, N343
Ticket Information
Official London Theatre tickets for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at the Southwark Playhouse Borough, London
Book tickets to How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at the Southwark Playhouse Borough with WestendTheatre.com. You will be purchasing official London theatre tickets from an authorised retailer and member of the Society of Ticket Agents and Retailers.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying booking calendar and seating plan→