A Lunchtime MBA
Presented by Steve Davies
Professor Sebastian Longsword of The MBA School of MBA Credentials guarantees that anyone can earn an MBA within the allotted time of a lunch hour. In and out. No lingering over coffee. No need for books. Drinks are fine as they don’t conflict at this prestigious school of no content.
The Prof. doesn't hide his brilliance. He fails to confounds himself with his own contradictions. And he has recognised the essential truth of an MBA. Its worth comes from everyone in the room, knowing you have one. So, he’s happy to set about making it as easy as possible for anyone to reap its golden benefits. If those initials are more critical than the content, why bother with any real learning at all? However, should his shamefully-recruited, high-paying students actually turn up, he provides all the essential jargon needed to wing it.
The Prof. demonstrates his academic prowess when waxing lyrically on the real value of value. Longsword certainly embellishes his value to his shambolic school with a list of self-important titles that would shame Idi Amin. The list is long; surely, there are no other teachers. He does have a put upon assistant, the erstwhile, Ms Paige Turner, who could do with some teasing out. Oh, and how the professor loves his academic drag.
The professor's plummy accent might be typical of the many transplanted academics who have drained onto these shores from the UK, bringing with them their obtuse theories and beloved traditions. Or maybe he’s just from Adelaide.
Steve Davis presents his character dead-pan and with a Rumpolian air. It’s a character that lets out its knowing mirth and dry asides. Many across business, education and government would know and enjoy the targets. Indeed, with a day job over the years delivering marketing seminars, and with his own MBA, Davis knows his domain well. Directed by comic legend Glyn Nichols, the show is a beautifully delivered, light-hearted satire. Yet, the piece is a little too close to the bone for an actual academic setting. Any student there would throw their degree away. So with little hope of a future in academia, Professor Longsword has a big future in front of him as a popular after-dinner and keynote speaker. His one hour of material ensures several returns.