Review: You’re Fired! The Musical, Fringe 2025

Regular watcher of The Apprentice, Birdy, made it along to The Space on Niddry Street in time to join a massive queue for You’re Fired! The Musical.

The concept of a comedy musical based on hit BBC show The Apprentice stood out to me as something I was probably going to enjoy. But You’re Fired! The Musical isn’t just here for the novelty and comedic value – it’s 50 minutes of solid entertainment and outstanding performances.

Vibe

Fans of The Apprentice get the vibe immediately, with plenty of comedy nods to the hit show as we’re introduced to the new, overconfident contestants of The Trainee. They all want a chance to work with Baron Sweetener, and they’ve all got something to unique to offer, such as Gavin who specialises in SALES, and Steve, who makes a decent cup of tea.

I quickly get settled in for an entertaining 50 minutes of top notch musical comedy, and I’m not in the slightest bit disappointed.

The show itself

You’re Fired! The Musical is *like* The Apprentice… but not as you know it! With familiar feeling, over-the-top business characters, sharp humour, surprising plot twists, and incredible vocal performances and choreography, this show is without a doubt the best thing I’ve seen at Fringe so far this year.

The audience quickly become quite sympathetic to Steve, the sweetest contestant on The Trainee, who’s easily led astray by the likes of Gavin. You end up wanting Steve to do well, as the contestants firstly have to pick a project manager and sort out their strategy of buying low and selling high.

There’s also a lot more to Baron Sweetener than first appears (has he reached his full potential in life? No spoilers), and although the show has some hilarious moments, there’s also plenty of heart and substance that makes you want to follow the characters and see what happens next.

We’re seamlessly taken through catchy musical numbers with comedic timing and brilliant jokes that consistently have you laughing out loud. The pacing is absolutely perfect, and it feels like a very slick, seasoned, professional show that isn’t actually on its first Fringe run (but this is its first Fringe run).

Overall

I really enjoyed You’re Fired! The Musical, and would recommend it to anyone who wants to lose themselves in musical comedy for 50 minutes – but especially if they’re fans of the show it’s based on.

No losers’ cafe in sight for creators Caitlin McPhilemy and Giacomo Pozzuto – absolutely bloody brilliant, and I’m so glad I was able to catch this in the nine days it’s running for. If you get a chance to see it, do so!