This was another superbly polished and captivating Pulteney musical, with all musical and theatrical elements seamlessly coordinated. Seeing this production was as rewarding and fulfilling as seeing any adult company, anywhere. The creative team of Director Jo Casson, MD Jonathan Rice and Choreographer Rosanna Dobre have brought us a simply wonderful production with this 1960s musical.

The story, with a few neat twists, takes a satirical look at the way the protagonist, J. Pierrepont Finch, wheedles his way up the corporate ladder from mail room assistant to the very top. The format of the musical follows the 1952 book, and indeed uses the steps outlined in that book to draw Finch on a ruthlessly cynical, yet very funny, path “onward and upward”.

The creatives and cast understood and preserved the satire delightfully. The cast was highly focussed and precise in their presentation of songs, dialogue and dance. Heading a very accomplished set of leads was Patrick Longden as Finch. He was outstanding in the role, singing with clarity and power, moving through the choreography with ease and capturing both the brashness and vulnerability in his dialogue to establish true credibility. While doing so at other times as well, he cheekily and smugly broke the fourth wall at his “Aha” or “Gotcha” moments where one of his ploys paid off, drawing the audience in as fellow conspirators. In all, it’s hard to imagine a more competent performance.

Playing opposite him, Nektaria Mavragelos was charming as Rosemary. She sang with delightful mellowness and at all times convinced us of her devotion to Finch, despite the setbacks. Her duet Rosemary with Longden was an evocative moment, as was her solo Happy To Keep His Dinner Warm, and its more telling reprise. That song perhaps captured the spirit of the era more than any other.

She was well supported by Polly Schubert as her fellow secretary Smitty, who was always an encouraging figure at Rosemary’s side, yet brought a greater sense of reality as a nice balance. She did well to convey that with a subtlety beneath the vibrant appearance.

Henry Green was splendid as the WWW company’s President J B Biggley. He was animated and assertive in the role and made excellent use of his strong baritone. The very amusing and rousing duet with Longden, Grand Old Ivy, supported by the ensemble, was a decided hit.

Kera Wubbolts did very well as the saucy secretary Hedy La Rue, who used her wiles to subvert Biggley and, intentionally or not, aid Finch to climb the corporate ladder.

And now to the bad guy. Henry Tran was dominant as the ever-scheming and unpleasant Bud Frump, Biggley’s nephew. He was most effective in creating the character and made it easy for the audience to dislike him, almost as much as his fellow WWW employees. Tran used his significant experience to make a very impressive show here. He sang with force and accuracy, and moved well in the dance sequences. His dramatic contribution within the songs was a further strength, shown at times in a reprise of a song, but with his character’s twist. His take on Company Way is a good example here.

The ensemble was wonderful, singing and moving with precision and verve. Often leading the slick choreography, the specialist dancers were a decided asset to the mood and intent of the entire production.

The production used the enormous stage very well, with superb colourful projections on the many screens, thoroughly evoking the art and spirit of the era. With a large performing area in the main stage and other platforms at various levels, the big cast was well deployed, and never seem crowded or restricted.

Finally, and importantly, the band was simply excellent. Under Rice’s experienced leadership they provided a fulsome well tuned and balanced support to the entire production, not only for the songs and dance but also in the incidentals, such as timely coverage of the smoothly efficient scene changes where most items – desks, chairs and the like – were wheeled in and out by the cast.

The performing arts department at Pulteney continues to enjoy true success. This production was yet further evidence of that. What an inspiring theatrical experience for all.