9 to 5

This production of “9 to 5” hit the stage running from the outset with a lot of different touches that worked very well and got the audience on side right from the beginning!

The opening number got it off to a flying start and you just knew you were in for a treat!

The set achieved a high standard, with everything on wheels, (well nearly!) That enabled the change of scenery and props to move with ease and I particularly liked the changes that happened so smoothly during the action without distracting from the performance. It was pacy and slick all the way through

The costumes were very well done with wigs that looked real and believable

The orchestra sounded good and for a show such as this, with an energetic and rousing score, and no orchestra pit, I was a little concerned about clear dialogue, but I needn’t have worried as every word was well projected and distinct.

Violet Newstead/, Elaine Kingston got the character just right from being a “taken for granted” secretary to a confident “I’m in charge “woman who was not going to be downtrodden again! Her singing was superb, and she nailed the “One of the Boys” number on the head!

Judy Bernly/ Kate Stockman gave a great performance with moving from the naive newcomer to the girl with a mission and “Change it” was done very well.

Doralee Rhodes/Josie Tapp with a fantastic Texas accent, that so often can turn into a screech, but not this time. You could understand every word; gloriously done and consistent

Franklyn Hart Jr/ Chris Royds gave it his all as a nasty piece of work, the epitome of a real male chauvinist. He got it to a tee and his movements (is he double jointed?) were amazing. Really great stagecraft. An excellent performance

Roz Keith/Samantha Ottaway What can one say? She played this role with real skill from the straitlaced office manager to the downright sexy would-be vamp “Heart to Hart[GL1] ” was a showstopper! It was a polished performance!

Margaret/Ali Ransom made a splendid drunkard, not going over the top, which can so easily happen.

There are just too many of the cast to mention individually but suffice it to say that not one was out of place, everyone, including the chorus did so well by giving it their all, not one weak link!

I must mention the Dream sequence, the way it was achieved was simply superb. the numbers, they just blew me away.

The Choreography was done with skill and of a high standard, particularly in the Dream sequence. The audience loved it, and the standing ovation was richly deserved, A show that will be remembered for a long time to come for all the right reasons!

My heartiest Congratulations to Director Isobel Court, Assistant Director/Choreographer Donna Bedwell and MD Alfie Pugh you did Exeter Little Theatre Company proud.

Graham Liverton

Regional Councillor NODA Southwest

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