9 to 5

The musical is based on the 1980’s film of the same name with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton complete with the iconic opening number “9 to 5” that had the audience singing along from the off.

The comic story line centres around three female coworkers secretary Doralee Rhodes ,office boss  Violet Newstead and new girl Judy Bernly who unfortunately have one very sexist egotistical boss Franklyn Hart .The ladies make friends and start to share how they actually feel about working for such a vile man and how perhaps things could change if he wasn’t in charge. So during what could only be described as a pot induced fantasy, they dream of how they would carry out their revenge. Without giving the game away they decide to hold him prisoner in his own home whilst they themselves ran Consolidated Companies, making many changes that are unknown to Hart until the very end of the show, including Increasing productivity by introducing flex time, on site day care and equal pay.

Sam Rogers played the naïve Doralee, I liked her characterization very much but it was a shame her outfits could have been more suitable to enable Hart to actually have something to lust over when she was bending down to pick up pencils, or when up on a step ladder.

Office manager Violet was played by Teresa Biddell who was well suited to the part, her experience and ability to pull the cast together on stage during some of the musical numbers appeared paramount.

The third of the trio, totally insecure and inexperienced new girl Judy was played by Kim Henn.

I have seen John Biddell in quite a few roles and he played a convincing portrayal of predatory Franklyn Hart, Karen Whitehouse played his lovelorn associate Roz Keith who everyone in the office couldn’t stand.

All of the above were supported by a large ensemble including younger children that somewhat overpowered some of the scenes making the stage look crowded at times.

I loved the spectacular lavish pink sequin showgirl costumes, so many feathers no expense spared.

The Town Hall has limited facilities for staging some lavish productions that often comes with newer modern shows, that said Rosemary used Dolly’s opening and closing projection to great effect.

Not the company’s fault in the slightest but the sound quality was intermittent at the beginning of act one and the volume of the large orchestra became overpowering on more than one occasion.

The production was enjoyable and entertaining with an audience who were laughing and looked to be loving every minute. It was very evident that all the cast were having a great time too.

Thank you for inviting me once again looking forward to the panto, Oh yes, I am.

Best wishes, Joyce

 

 

 

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