Tracie Bennett to star in ‘How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying'

The two-time Olivier Award-winner will play J. B. Biggley in a reimagined revival of the Pulitzer-winning musical, with Michelle Visage narrating ‘The Book.’

Sophie Thomas
Sophie Thomas

We’ve got a World Wide Wicket Company boss. Tracie Bennett will star in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying this spring. Previews begin at Southwark Playhouse Borough on 12 May, ahead of an opening night on 16 May, and performances to 17 June.

Bennett will play J. B. Biggley, a role typically played by a man. “I’ll be playing a man. Yes, it was bound to happen some time, wasn’t it? With these very dulcet tones of mine! Looking forward to it very much. Lots of love for now and I’ll see you soon!,” said Bennett.

The acclaimed actress won Oliviers for She Loves Me and Hairspray, with additional nominations for High Society, Follies, Mrs Henderson Presents, and End of the Rainbow.

“Our approach to this wonderful show is to trust the brilliant original and let the satire shine... When you’re looking for someone with the charisma and power to be the high powered boss with a flare for the occasional musical number, Tracie Bennett quickly becomes the top choice,” said director Georgie Rankcom.

Abe Burrows, Jack Weinstock and Willie Gilbert’s Pulitzer Prize-winning musical follows J. Pierrepont Finch as they climb the corporate ladder from a window washer to a high-powered executive. Along the way, they navigate the office party, co-workers, and company politics. Frank Loesser’s original score includes “Brotherhood of Man” and “The Company Way.”

The RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage will voice ‘The Book’, with further casting to be confirmed.

The show features choreography by Alexzandra Sarmiento, set and costume design by Sophia Pardon, lighting design by Lucía Sánchez Roldán, and sound design by Jake Johnson.

Book How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying tickets on London Theatre.

Book Tickets CTA - LT/NYTG

Photo credit: How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying artwork (Photo by Michael Wharley)

Originally published on

Subscribe to our newsletter to unlock exclusive London theatre updates!

  • Get early access to tickets for the newest shows
  • Access to exclusive deals and promotions
  • Stay in the know about news in the West End
  • Get updates on shows that are important to you

You can unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy