Opening Night Success: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying Delighted Sydney Audiences

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying

The lights came up, the curtain rose and the corporate ladder became a playground of ambition, romance and comic chaos when How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying officially opened at Hayes Theatre Co in Sydney on 2 September 2026.

This lively new production gave audiences a chance to rediscover one of musical theatre's most celebrated comedies, combining sharp workplace satire, memorable music and an impressive Australian cast.

A Broadway Classic Came Back to Sydney

First staged on Broadway in 1961, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying followed J. Pierrepont Finch, an ambitious window washer determined to make his way to the top of the corporate world.

Armed with a questionable guidebook to career advancement, Finch manipulated the rules of office life as he climbed from window washer to high-powered executive. Along the way, he encountered ambitious colleagues, office politics, romance, corporate scheming and plenty of comic complications.

The musical, with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser and a book by Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert, went on to win seven Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize.

A Strong Cast Led the Opening Night

Award-winning director Cameron Mitchell brought together a talented company for the Hayes Theatre production.

Jake Speer took centre stage as J. Pierrepont Finch, portraying the determined young career climber with energy and comic flair. Simon Burke played the formidable company president J. B. Biggley, while Georgia Laga'aia brought warmth to the role of Rosemary Pilkington.

Lucy Lalor appeared as the glamorous Hedy LaRue, with Wayne Scott Kermond, Max Macdonald, Stacey Thomsett, Noni McCallum, Kaeng Chan, Madeline Pratt, Taye Grant and Zachary Webster adding to the strong ensemble.

Katie Green, Kye Hall and Kristina McNamara completed the company.

Songs and Satire Kept the Pace Moving

The production's opening night appeal came from its combination of energetic performances, witty situations and Frank Loesser's memorable score.

Familiar numbers including I Believe in You, Brotherhood of Man and The Company Way helped drive the story while reinforcing the musical's playful examination of corporate ambition.

Office parties, workplace rivalries, career manoeuvring and romantic entanglements became the ingredients for a fast-moving theatrical comedy that poked fun at the corporate world while celebrating the timeless appeal of musical theatre.

A Welcome Australian Revival

The Hayes Theatre production represented a significant return for the musical, which had last been seen on Australian stages in 1963.

Its long absence made the revival particularly appealing for Australian theatre audiences, while its themes remained surprisingly familiar. Workplace competition, career ambition, office politics and the desire to get ahead continue to provide plenty of material for comedy.

The musical had also enjoyed notable Broadway revivals, including the production featuring Daniel Radcliffe and Tony Award winner John Larroquette.

A Night of Classic Musical Theatre in Sydney

Opening night at Hayes Theatre Co demonstrated why this musical has remained part of the international theatre repertoire for generations.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying offered Sydney audiences an entertaining mixture of comedy, music, romance and satire, wrapped around a story about one man's determination to reach the top.

For visitors to Sydney, the production also provided an opportunity to experience the city's intimate theatre

Hayes Theatre Co

Website: www.hayestheatre.com.au
Email: info@hayestheatre.com.au
Phone: +61 2 8068 7000
Address: 19 Greenknowe Avenue, Potts Point, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Instagram: @lpdproductions

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