9 to 5

The lovely Pauline Iredale and her Front of House team gave us a very warm welcome to this production of “9 to 5“. Following on from the previous epic production of “Hairspray” there was an expectation for PODS to maintain the same high standard, and I am happy to report that this production would prove to be of the very highest standard in amateur theatre across the whole of the NODA East region.

Director and Choreographer Rob Bristow chose not to use the opening video featuring Dolly Parton herself, in favour of a really energetic effervescent and very funny self-choreographed opening which was the best I have ever seen in any production of 9 to 5. The use of the gauze and projected alarm clocks and sound effects was brilliant. Great decision and great choreography by Rob Bristow and AC Nikki Marsden. The costumes by Tracy Sortwell, Lena Hartley, Lucille Ash, and team, were both colourful and appropriate to the period, however Franklin Hart JR’s second darker suit was more from the wardrobe of today and was noticeable because it was featured quite a lot. I also think it was a mistake to put Dwayne in pink chaps, they would have been fine in the dream sequence but not suitable for a working cowboy, which I’m not even sure he was. Wigs and makeup were very good indeed, and unfortunately unaccredited as to who was responsible for the application of both. John Lawrence’s lighting design was beautifully conceived especially with the changes and variations in the dream scene. Special praise goes to follow spot operator Alex Burgess who had a lot to do in this show and managed it all very well including the fade to pins and reverse fades to wide follows. The sound was consistent with good levels and clarity, however there were a few late cue’s at the beginning and more importantly and disappointingly in the epilogue at the end. I am not sure who would have been responsible for fitting Miss Gibson’s mic pack, but it was very apparent and distracting in act one when it was at the top of her panty line, perhaps somewhere in the small of the back or even on the back of her bra strap would have concealed it. The scenery was very impressive and managed extremely well by Deputy Stage Manager John Lawrence and team. The scene changes were slick seamless and barely a hint of a MIB. Properties by Sue Monteith, Pete Monteith, Saffron Foster, Karen Dyer, Jo Layton, Elaine Edgley and Kerry Monteith were well sourced and in some cases very well made and my congratulations and praise go to all the team for the hard work that went into the construction of some of the harder to find items.

Amanda Villamayor, who is a very capable actress, played Violet Newstead in her usual commanding way. Hannah Joy Gibson had the difficult task of playing Doralee Rhodes who is written as a Dolly Parton clone by Dolly Parton. Hannah carried off the interpretation without too much mimicry and made the part her own. Georgia Evans was wonderful as office newbie Judy Bernly and absolutely smashed her solo “Get out and Stay Out”. All three girls had the triple threat, they could all sing, dance and act. Brilliant casting. Calvin Lawrence did a great job as Franklin Hart JR, and coped admirably with what I consider to be the most difficult song in the show. Calvin’s portrayal was sleazy but comical and almost endearing. Nikki Marsden was very funny in the role of Roz Keith and sang her solo with confidence. Harvey Jones was very likeable as the lovesick Joe, however I did think that he was perhaps a little too young for the role. Other parts and chorus were all exceptional. They were all well-rehearsed and performed to the best of their ability with energy and conviction and some beautiful harmonies The Choreography by Rob Bristow and Nikki Marsden was creative and played to the strengths of the cast, who performed the steps extremely well. The wonderful band lead by Steve Hession were superb and it was a great shame that they were not visible as I believe they were buried deep in the bowels of the Cresset. Rob Bristow’s direction gets better with every venture. He is truly a director who knows how to tell a story and understands the fundamentals of musical theatre. I can’t wait to see what he does next.

PODS “9 to 5” was a triumph, hugely entertaining and showcasing some of the finest talents in Peterborough.

One final word to the capable and supportive Committee of the Peterborough Operatic and Dramatic Society. I have watched you evolve and improve over the years to what  is today a premier amateur theatrical group, producing the finest and highest standard of musical theatre in a “professional theatre,” and hiring professional sets, lighting and sound equipment and yet your tickets are still the same price as some village hall productions. I mean this as no disrespect to the members of NODA that do produce great village hall shows, but as advice to all levels that you must recognise the quality of your product and the cost of the production, and price your tickets accordingly. If you do not do this two things will happen. You will devalue your production, and I seriously doubt that you will be able to sustain the programmed losses that you must be experiencing. I am not suggesting that you increase your ticket price to make a profit but to base your prices on average known realistic sales, so that you at least break even. If you have some other income or regular legacy that I am not aware of then please disregard my advice, but if not then please PODS Committee, be brave, the audiences will still pay the extra to come and see you and if all goes well, for a long time to come.

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