9 to 5

This musical is based on the iconic film of the 1980’s and cannot fail to be linked to Dolly Parton and to ignore that would be a grave mistake and I am delighted to say that Kinver Light Operatic Society and Tye Harris’ debut production for the company embraces the connection and comes out shining.

The story is an unashamed boisterous comedy with hilarious antics and both qualities are played to the full in this roller-coaster journey of three very different women tackling themes that sadly still apply today – gender equality and workplace justice. Working in the offices of Consolidated Industries we meet Violet Newstead, the Office Manager, destined never to rise any higher, despite the fact that she sees all the men that she has trained being promoted around her.  The role fits Kate Cox like a glove. Kate has an amazing stage presence that draws you to her in every scene and Kate immediately stamps her mark with a rousing company number, ‘Around Here’. Judy Bernly played by Rachel Bloomer, the nervous yet enthusiastic to please newbie, although inexperienced we see Judy grow with confidence and Rachel delivers this transition superbly with a clever, measured performance.  Doralee Rhodes couldn’t be more different to the other two, Emily Osborne had a blast playing this larger-than-life character who is defined by her good looks and kind heart, rather than her ability to do her job.  She is constantly being taken advantage of and Emily, with a reverent nod to Dolly Parton, makes the part her own, with sheer talent and hard work, she had the audience in the palm of her hand and played it for all that she was worth.

Their loathing is focused on their boss, Franklin Hart Jr, played by Ricky Houlston-Dowell who has the character spot on, not an easy thing to do given the way the character is set up to be hated but you cannot help but feel a little sorry for him as he is subjected to the humiliation that he finds himself in, yet you know in your heart of hearts that he deserves it all.  It would be easy to go over the top with this character, but Ricky has it just right. While being tied up and strung up, Ricky’s comedy talent also shone through!

There are some amazing supporting roles in this show and they are played to the full by this talented cast: Rebecca Lydon as the annoying Roz Keith, her ‘Heart to Hart’ number was a triumph; Great comedy timing from Joe, played by Dan Wright who has a crush on Violet. Her son, Josh, played tenderly by Ellison Hart; Judy’s husband, Dick, who is filing for divorce, and played by Joe Horton only made you root more for Judy; Rob Pinner’s, Wayne, Doralee’s doting husband almost to the point of smothering her, made his brief appearances count perfectly. Great cameo performances from Cathy Moreton as Margaret, the office lush who turns her life around – loved the toilet paper, Sam Houston-Dowell as the Hart’s Assistant and Paul Costello as Mr Tinnsworthy, Consolidated Industries CEO, who is just as blind to misogynistic goings-on at his company.

A tremendous ensemble threw themselves into number after number with Sam Houston-Dowell’s exuberant choreography and under the guidance of Musical Director, Ed Malpass, were a complete joy to watch. The three lead women were very much in evidence in most of the numbers but the trio of ‘I Just Might’ was brilliant, Ricky’s solo ‘Here for You’ and Judy’s powerful ‘Get Out, Stay Out’ were showstopping and the contrasting duet, ‘Let Love Grow’ from Violet and Joe was beautifully moving.

The show was not only set in the Office though and the various scene changes were amazingly choreographed and undertaken by members of the cast very efficiently under the direction of Stage Managers Adam Bowles and Vicky Cook and supported by great lighting and sound from The Lighting Factory and Alan Aldous Production Services.

This was a belter of a show enjoyed by all, a great night out.

My thanks to everyone at Kinver Light Operatic Society for their hospitality and warm welcome, it was very gratefully appreciated.

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