How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is one of those musicals that I feel I really ought to have seen and thanks to Sedos I finally got the chance to do so. It is a musical which tells of J. Pierrepoint Finch who is following an instruction manual to climb the corporate ladder.

Sedos have really hit the nail on the head with the tone of this show. They have ensured that it is very tongue in cheek and added some great comedic touches of their own. With a show set in the 60’s there are frequent moments which are more than bordering on mildly sexist including the numbers ‘A Secretary Is Not A Toy,’ and ‘Cinderella, Darling,’ where the secretaries dream of marrying their boss however with their liberal sprinkling of comedy it ensures that these moments are not taken too seriously.

The cast is lead by James Leggat as J.P Finch. He has a considerable amount of charm about him, with a knowing wink to the audience reeling us into his world. His energy carries the show and it never falters. Playing opposite him was Miranda Evans as Rosemary Pilkington. She had a clear soprano voice and her character never drops as a secretary with her sights set on Finch.

Lauren Clarke plays Rosemary’s friend Smitty who has a dry sense of humour and rarely seen without a cigarette in her hand. Her slightest facial expressions added to the comedy of her character and made for a memorable performance. Lora Jones as Hedy La Rue, Bigley’s mistress/secretary compensated with sex appeal for what she lacked in typing skills, carrying this role off with lots of confidence.

J.B Bigley played by David Robson and his ‘yes men’ also had lovely characterisation throughout the show. My one criticism would be that placing a women in amongst the ‘yes men’ didn’t work against the backdrop of the rest of the numbers and the dialogue that takes place during these scenes.

There are some great production numbers within How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying including ‘Brotherhood of Man’ where choreographer, Samantha Miller produced a high octane number which had a real creative flair and got my toes tapping.

Finally I must mention the costumes by Larissa Gauger. All of the costumes were set perfectly in the correct time and place but the secretaries costumes in particular. Their hair was not only coiffed into the correct 60’s style but details such as matching the colour of the dress to their shoes helped give a cohesive feel to the costume design.

Sedos’ production of How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying is a great chance to see this musical, with bundles of comedy and a cast that excel in getting their character across I would recommend getting yourselves down to the Bridewell Theatre.

How To Succeed In Business without Really Trying is on until the 25th May at the Bridewell Theatre. For more information about the show and Sedos visit their website.

If you like this review you might also like my review of previous Sedos shows including – Next Thing You Know, Dog Fight and Pippin.