9 to 5

With music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, based on the 1980 film, it centres on the downtrodden working lives of three women at Consolidated Industries presided over by the sexist, lecherous and pompous boss. The three women unite in their hatred, they imprison the boss in his own home and run the company themselves to great effect, applauded by the Chairman who sends the boss to run an overseas office, to everyone’s delight.

The show opens with the title song, a bustling number with the full company and we are introduced to the three main principal girls, ‘Violet’, ‘Doralee’ and ‘Judy’. Hayley Jordan, Lois Stevens and Kirsty Bluck respectively, led from the front with some really strong performances. Hayley portrayed the downtrodden character always being overlooked for promotion with great skill, Lois was every bit the loud and brash Dolly Parton character and Kirsty’s portrayal of the totally inexperienced employee was just right, with a lovely voice to match.

Reece Jones as the sleezy boss ‘Franklin Hart Jr’ was equally strong. He has a secret admirer in ‘Roz’ played by Sarah Richards who appearing quite a dower efficient character was one of the amusing surprises of the show, with her fantasising ‘Heart to Hart’. The three main girls came together at the end of Act 1 with a plan and sang ‘Shine like the Sun’ effortlessly.

Hayley led a cracking well-choreographed opening number to Act 2 with ‘One of the Boys’ and later she is joined by ‘Joe’ (Scott Denton) who is constantly chasing ‘Violet’ epitomised in a lovely duet ‘Let Love Grow’. Scott’s performance was very natural and sensitively portrayed when the moment needed it. All minor roles gave first class support, including Darren Richards as ‘Tinsworthy’.

Another surprise transformation, was ‘Margaret’ played by Emma Parker, changing from an inebriated secretary, following some rehab provided by the ‘new management’. Staff were happier and productivity improved by 20% during Hart’s captivity!

The costumes were good and there was some straight forward scenery, with all changes handled smoothly, mainly by the cast. I would have preferred the amplification to have been a tadge lower, but this was a production that moved at a good pace under the direction of Jill Parmenter. Congratulations to all involved.

 

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