9 TO 5

What a fun musical, with the Dolly Parton vibe evident from the start.  The cast attacked the music with enthusiasm, there were some very good performances.

The Director got a good standard of performance from his cast and used the ensemble well.

Musically the MD had brought out every possible nuance and harmony, I noted the band was really able to let rip in the entre-acts and interludes, an excellent well-rounded sound, but always accompanying the singers well, the balance between stage and band was very good.  I particularly liked the simplicity of the guitars, keyboards and drums for Let Love Grow, it was a quiet interlude amongst the other more boisterous numbers.

The set worked fairly well, although the revolving bookcases caused a few small problems. 

Lighting and sound were very good, there were some nice lighting plots, with good lighting effects at the end of Act 1.  Sound was spot on, which I know is difficult to achieve in the venue – so well done to the tech guys.

Choreography was very suitable, slightly quirky as is a trademark of the choreographer, but never beyond the abilities of the cast.  Niki Dunn was Dance Captain and certainly ensured the numbers were tight and well-performed.

Costumes worked well, there was diversity in type and colour, with everything looking fresh and colourful.  The fantasy scene gave us some very ‘out there’ colours and animals.

The three leading ladies were all good, and worked well with each other, creating excellent harmonies and good characters.

Ceri Sims (Violet), as the undoubted leader, gave both a good leadership vibe but also showed sympathy and good practice with the workers.  Ceri sang the part well, with plenty of expression in her music and good light and shade.

Amy Pearson (Judy), the new girl, wanting to please everyone, but also with her own problems.  I liked her slightly shy portrayal, and loved her final solo, which really showed off her voice, Amy was very expressive throughout.

Lucy Magelly (Doralee) was very upfront and believable.  Good characterisation showing the naivety of the character, but also her all-knowing side as well.  Nicely achieved.

Mary Watkinson (Roz), gave us the comedy highpoint of the show – a highly infectious rendition of her solo, with actions which suited the music.  Excellently achieved.

The transformation of Margaret, played by Issy Wiggins, was a surprise and a lovely character part for this talented lady.

Alex Grose (Franklin Hart) gave us the right level of sleaziness for the man – and also sang with conviction, I enjoyed the portrayal and vocal quality, whilst disliking intensely the type of man portrayed.

Tom Hartill (Joe), Mike Smith (Tinsworthy), Stephen Kellett (Dwayne) and Chris Eagles (Dick) all played their parts well, and supported their opposite numbers with empathy. 

Sharon Galatis (Kathy), Tara May (Maria), Diane Breckon (Missy) and Laura Twiddy (J), all created their individual characters well, and added much to the general feel-good factor of the production.

A good ensemble of some 22 people who all played their part and created a busy stage and good sound, so very well done to all concerned.

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