Theatre Preview: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying @ Bridewell Theatre

By Sam Smith Last edited 136 months ago
Theatre Preview: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying @ Bridewell Theatre

Here at Londonist we care less about whether a theatre company is professional or amateur than whether it is any good or not! Based upon Centre Stage’s recent track record it thoroughly deserves its reputation as one of the finest amateur theatre companies in London. In the past year alone its several shows have included the Madness jukebox musical, Our House, and the brilliantly entertaining Zanna, Don’t!

Next week it is staging Frank Loesser and Abe Burrows' How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at the Bridewell Theatre. This 1960s musical, recently revived on Broadway with Daniel Radcliffe, is a story of power, sex, ambition and greed. So, in other words, it’s just another day in the office!

It tells the story of J. Pierrepont Finch who, with the help of his trusty handbook, skilfully climbs the corporate ladder. The real beauty of the show, however, is that, while it immerses the audience in the bygone era of 1960s America, all of the elements that Finch encounters are entirely familiar to us today: the aggressively compliant company man, the office party, backstabbing co-workers, caffeine addiction and, last but certainly not least, the office romance.

With catchy tunes such as The Company Way and I Believe in You, as well as the gloriously rousing finale, Brotherhood of Man, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying should set your heart-a-racing and your toes-a-tapping at a price that everyone can afford. This promises to be a quality show, where every seat in the house is close to the action, and can be yours for less than a restricted view spot on the third balcony in most West End theatres.  

And if you really enjoy the experience, there’s nothing to stop you (and we really mean anyone) from becoming involved with Centre Stage in the future. Whether your talents lie in singing, acting, directing or somewhere backstage, Centre Stage would love to hear from you.  

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is on from 6-10 November 2012 at the Bridewell Theatre, London, EC4Y 8EQ (nearest tube station Blackfriars). Start time: 7.30pm and Saturday matinee, 2.30pm. For tickets (£15 and £12.50 concessions) click here.

Photo: Benjamin Long stars as J. Pierrepont Finch in Centre Stage's How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

Last Updated 02 November 2012