Review: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Futures Theatre

Pulteney Grammar School’s production of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying is exactly why school musical theatre matters. Joyful, polished, wildly entertaining and bursting with heart, this production proves what can happen when a school community truly invests in the arts, and in its young people.

From the moment the show began, it was obvious that these students absolutely adore being on stage, and that passion spilled into every corner of the theatre.

Under the expert direction of Jo Casson, the show moved with confidence and clarity, balancing the satirical humour of this classic musical with genuine warmth and energy. Casson’s excellent use of projections created a slick and vibrant world for the story to live in, giving the production a professional edge while still allowing the performers to shine.

Musically, Jonathon Rice led a terrific (school) band and vocal team, with harmonies that soared and a cast that clearly understood the style and wit of the score. Rosanna Dobre’s choreography was another standout, with a dance ensemble that attacked every number, especially Grand Old Ivy and Brotherhood of Man, with precision, personality and stamina.

The ensemble work throughout the show deserves huge praise; committed, polished and consistently entertaining. Supported by excellent sound design from Jamie Mensforth and dynamic lighting by Mark Oakley, the production looked and sounded exceptional.

Leading the company was Patrick Longden as J. Pierrepont Finch, delivering a charismatic and sharply comic performance. Longden handled the role’s demanding vocals and relentless stage time with ease, bringing charm to numbers such as ‘I Believe in You’ while navigating Finch’s ambitious schemes with confidence and flair. Opposite him, Nektaria Mavragelos was utterly delightful as Rosemary Pilkington, bringing warmth, sincerity and beautiful vocals to ‘Happy to Keep His Dinner Warm.’ Her performance grounded the show emotionally and provided a perfect foil to Finch’s chaos.

Henry Tran embraced the wonderfully awful Bud Frump with comedic precision, leaning fully into the role’s desperation and insecurity while still maintaining excellent comic timing throughout. And boy can he dance!

Polly Schubert was sensational as Smitty, effortlessly capturing the character’s intelligence and humour, while also delivering some gorgeous vocal moments that added richness to every scene she entered.

Kiera Wubbolts absolutely stole moments as Hedy La Rue, committing wholeheartedly to the role’s over-the-top comedy while showcasing a fantastic stage presence. Henry Green brought authority and comic energy to J.B. Biggley, commanding the stage particularly during ‘Grand Old Ivy,’ where his performance anchored one of the production’s standout musical moments. I’m still performing the actions of rip the chipmunks…

Supporting performances across the board elevated the production even further. Billy Rowan’s Bratt was sharply observed and consistently entertaining, while Dash Heffernan Lucic impressed enormously in the dual roles of Twimble and Womper, navigating both characters with distinction and confidence. Scarlett Lamb was a standout as Miss Jones, and her jazz chops were a surprise delight in the finale number!

And perhaps that is what made this production so successful; it genuinely felt like a community effort.

It takes a village to create theatre of this scale, and Pulteney clearly embraces that philosophy wholeheartedly. The school’s ability to utilise the incredible talents of its parent community only strengthens the already thriving culture surrounding the arts program. More importantly, though, it is obvious these students feel supported, encouraged and inspired, and that kind of joy simply cannot be faked. It radiated from the stage from beginning to end.

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying at Pulteney Grammar School isn’t simply a school musical, it is a celebration of collaboration, artistry and the power of young performers being given the space to thrive. Bravo to all!

4.5 stars

Lia Loves.