‘How to Succeed”: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying arrives at Southwark Playhouse

Dear Reader, do you want to escape life for a couple hours? Do you enjoy satire and comedic performances? Then, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is the show to go to.

With a mouthful of a title, How to Succeed is a comedic satire showing the lives of business workers, and how to climb to the top of the ladder. Including topics such as coffee addiction, backstabbing co-workers and relationships within the company, this show takes on an episodic frame, with each scene focusing on different topics.

The show is simply a rather funny night out, with brilliant performances from everyone involved and the audience stopping the show with laughter on various occasions. The cast work together extremely well, with everyone getting moments to shine and making every line or small moment count. It's easy to point out a moment where each actor excelled in their performance. Standouts include Allie Daniel who was phenomenal as Rosemary. From the first time she spoke, she had the audience wrapped around her finger and every line was a hit. She took the role entirely in her stride and its so refreshing to see a female romantic love interest have a personality, even if the plot hides it at points. Another standout performer was Elliot Gooch as Bud Frump, the boss’ nephew. His comedic timing was spot on and he made every moment count. The audience fell in love with him even though he’s technically working against our protagonist. Tracie Bennet also shone as a gender-bent J.B.Biggly, capturing the feel of the old-timey boss, problematic and takes no nonsense, the role seemed like it was made for her as she nailed every joke and sung her heart out.

The entire cast were fantastic with Annie Aitken perfectly playing the ditzy secretary and belting some incredible operatic notes at points, Gabrielle Friedman was charismatic as a gender bent J. Pierrepont Finch, perfectly liaising her way through each interaction. Verity Power was also a hidden comedic powerhouse as Smitty with some very lovely vocals throughout.

The music is simple yet extremely catching, with audiences leaving the show humming one of the many fun tunes. The company were vocally very impressive, with a few moments of imperfection from performers but overall, they were very pleasing to listen to, with satisfying harmonies throughout.