LPD Productions has revealed the cast for its upcoming staging of How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, opening at Sydney’s Hayes Theatre on 28 August 2026. The musical comedy follows the ambitious J. Pierrepont Finch as he attempts to advance from window washer to corporate executive with the help of an unusual instructional guide. His rapid rise brings him into contact with company politics, backstabbing colleagues, office parties, caffeine addiction and an unexpected romance.
Home and Away alumnus Jake Speer will lead the production as Finch, following his appearance in director Cameron Mitchell’s production of Catch Me If You Can. Speer will be joined by his former Catch Me If You Can co-star Simon Burke, whose credits include WICKED and Moulin Rouge, as company president J.B. Biggley. Georgia Laga’aia, previously seen in Dear Evan Hansen, will play Rosemary Pilkington, while The Prom performer Lucy Lalor has been cast as Hedy LaRue.
The supporting company includes Wayne Scott Kermond from Hot Shoe Shuffle, who will perform the dual roles of Mr. Twimble and Mr. Womper. Max Macdonald, who appeared in Tootsie, will play Budd Frump, with RENT performer Stacey Thomsett as Smitty, while Beetlejuice cast member Noni McCallum as Miss Jones.
Play School alumnus Kaeng Chan will appear as Mr. Bratt following his work in Miss Saigon. Madeline Pratt from Annie has been cast as Miss Krumholtz, Taye Grant from Back to the Future will play Mr. Overington, and CHICAGO performer Zachary Webster will return to the Hayes Theatre as Mr. Gatch. Katie Green and Kye Hall, both previously seen in Tootsie, will join the ensemble alongside Kristina McNamara.
How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying opens at the Hayes Theatre on 28 August 2026, with tickets now available through the official Hayes Theatre Co website.
