9 to 5

The company have much to be proud of in this lively production. Good singing, where words were clearly heard, and dramatic characterisation were hallmarks in the story of the conceited and ruthless boss Franklin Hart Jr who was bested by three of his colourful employees. In good voice in 9 to 5, Around Here, Potion Notion, and other songs, principal Susan McFarlane as the overlooked, efficient and reliable Violet excelled herself and won sympathy from the start, dealing with office problems with aplomb, and delivering lines with telling timing. So many good moments but her reactions to thinking she had poisoned Hart and the scenes at the hospital showed real understanding of comic timing. Jo McKie bit hard into the role of Judy, betrayed wife and inexperienced employee, nicely performing the nerves of a newbie and her humiliation by Hart ‘s bullying at the photocopier before blossoming into an independent woman who could dismiss her husband Dick (David McCabe) who expected her to fall back at his feet. Christina Taylor sparkled in the country girl role and accent of Doralee, ignoring Hart’s attentions for the sake of her job, wondering why she was being ostracised by the other women and bringing out humour with her gun toting and ready justice especially in Cowgirl’s Revenge. These three gelled well together: in their drug fuelled fantasies of what they would do to Hart: what they did to Hart :and how well they ran the office without him. In the egotistical role of Hart, and also showing good timing, Ronnie Honey exuded his maleness, power of position, hypocrisy and arrogance, all exemplified in body language and behaviour, including blackmail, and in his well sung Here For You. Adding to the action were Shirley McNulty as Roz showing her experience in the overbearing nitpicking Admin Assistant who spied for ‘wonderful’ Hart and in her own version of 9 to 5, and Jane Kerr as the tipsy Margaret with her well timed conversation stoppers. All named parts had strengths such as Gavin Orr as the trod on accountant Joe, in love with Violet and their well matched duet, Ian Atherton as the seemingly disingenuous company owner Mr Tinsworthy, Carolyn Johnston as Hart’s innocent wife, and Victoria Davies as the sacked then reinstated Maria. The great Dolly Parton music underpinned the action and the chorus rose to the occasion. Scene changes happened smoothly with cast themselves moving the office desks, Hart’s office and bedroom and the lighting enhanced the whole. The company gave the audience wonderful entertainment. Congratulations to all who enabled such a fine performance.

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