New London production of How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

Georgie Rankcom will return to Southwark Playhouse Borough to direct a new production of the classic Broadway musical How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

The director of last year’s critically acclaimed production of Anyone Can Whistle will head a creative team that includes choreographer Alexzandra Sarmiento, musical director Natalie Pound, set and costume designer Sophie Pardon, lighting designer Lucia Lucía Sánchez Roldán, sound designer Jake Johnson, orchestrator Stuart Morley, stage manager Waverley Moran, production manager Misha Mah, casting director Peter Noden, and producer and general manager Jodee Conrad.

Commenting on the production, Rankcom said: “This show has always intrigued me and to have the chance to bring it to life at Southwark Playhouse is incredibly exciting. We hope that this version will resonate with a new generation of theatregoers who will see just how brilliant and incisive the piece really is.

“Existing fans of the show will see and hear everything they love but presented by a cast and team who represent the society that we live in now. We plan to find new and exciting talents to bring this story to life as it’s never been seen before. We’re excited to embrace the absurdity of the show through a modern lens, whilst retaining all the wit and DNA of the original. Expect big laughs, big musical numbers and big heart, all in a small space that allows you to feel like you’re a part of the action.”

Running from 12 May until 17 June, the production will feature Michelle Visage (Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Strictly Come Dancing) as the voice of The Book. The full cast will be announced at a later date.

With music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert, How To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is based on Shepherd Mead’s 1952 satirical best-selling novel.

The original Broadway production won the 1962 Pulitzer Prize For Drama and Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Book. The most recent Broadway revival in 2011 starred Daniel Radcliffe and John Larroquette who picked up a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical.

Angela Thomas