9 to 5

9 to 5, the Dolly Parton, Patricia Resnick musical based on the film of the same name, is now an iconic musical, having runs on Broadway and the West End. Traveling to Ashford I and my guest, were in conversationion about 9 to 5 - it’s a huge musical with a big cast. How on earth are Ashford Theatre Society, with such a small stage, going to pull this off.

We need not have worried - it was in the capable hands of Alan Stamp as Producer, Amy Louise Vass Choreography and Cassandra Spence as Musical Director. These three together gave us an impeccable 9 to 5. Alan’s cast did him proud with stupendous performances.The three leading ladies, Cassandra Spence as Violet, Amy Louise Vass as Doralee and Bobby-Marie Stamp as Judy, are all incredible performers perfectly suited to playing these roles. Cassandra gets the humour in Violet, and Bobbie and Amy have diva voices, their characterisation perfect. They certainly make a solid threesome. George Wheeler as Mr. Hart is also well cast, he is a despicable character whom the audience loved to hate. George has good stage presence and fine singing voice. Alan Stamp as Joe, Matt Wheeler Dwayne, David Stevens Dick, Rae Anderson Roz, Tracey Hickman Missy/Margaret all backed up the three girls to a high standard. I was overjoyed to see a young ensemble giving us exceptional choreography, a treat to see two boys that can sing, act and dance with confidence. Well done lads, of course the ladies were as good as the lads, The ensemble were Adam Coleman, Mia Young, Molly Spence, Finley Page and Lily Dines. Their dance captain Molly Spence I suspect had an eye on them.

Taking my seat and looking at the 9 to 5 clock I was thinking that isn’t the clock I know from the hired-in set?  I was intrigued, I will have to ask afterwards who is responsible for this. Need I say more, yes it was Alan Stamp. Along with this we had superb back projection, remote controlled desks, and desks that changed colour, all moved by the cast. This made this 9 to 5 very slick and professional. Lighting and sound executed by Alan Stamp, Anthony Bonner, Lewis Bonner, backstage team being Brian Stamp, Sam Stevens, David Stevens, Laura Stevens and costumes Amy Louise Vass and Bobby-Marie Stamp. Alan gave me a guided tour of backstage after the show, did I say backstage? There wasn’t any room at all, how on earth they gave us such a show as 9 to 5 is nothing short of miraculous.

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