9 to 5

9 -5

St Pauls

Gladstone Theatre

9th October 2025

 

This musical is based on the hit movie 9 to 5 adapted for the stage by film co-writer Patricia Resnick, it features music written by Dolly Parton: its Dolly Parton herself who appears on video at the start of the show and sets the scene.

Set in the late 1970s, 9 to 5 follows three female office workers Violet Newstead (Marie Williams) a smart and ambitious single mother who has been overlooked for promotions for years in favour of less-qualified men. Doralee Rhodes (Becky Harton) The sassy and capable secretary to their boss, who is constantly fending off his unwanted advances and dealing with false rumours from co-workers who mistake his harassment for an affair. Judy Bernly (Elisha Jackson) A timid and newly divorced woman entering the workforce for the first time. She gains confidence and empowerment through her newfound friendship with her colleagues. All three workers yearn to turn the tables on their misogynistic and oppressive boss Franklin Hart Jr. (Tony Lacey). After a wild evening and a shared joint, they fantasize about ways to get rid of him. What begins as a daydream becomes reality when a series of comical events leads them to accidentally kidnap Hart and hold him hostage in his own house.

Director Brenda Davies chose a stirling cast and production team for this popular musical. Musical Director Sian James with her talented orchestra supported the cast well, excellent sound and lighting Clinton Ball & Derek Boseley. Experienced costume and property team, Helen Roberts, Sue Rannard and Jenny King,multi talented choreograper Ali Bentley-Jones.

With their boss out of the picture, Violet, Judy, and Doralee secretly take charge of the office. They forge his signature on documents and implement a series of radical, employee friendly changes, including equal pay, flexible hours, and an on-site daycare centre. The new policies dramatically increase employee morale and company productivity. 

Their plan is complicated by Hart's devoted assistant, Roz, who is suspicious of Hart's disappearance. The women are also in danger of being exposed when Hart's wife (Joanne Barker) unexpectedly returns home and frees him. When Hart returns to the office, he is ready to expose them to the police.The chairman of the board, Mr. Tinsworthy (Craig Manning), arrives to congratulate Hart on the company's newfound success. The women reveal the truth, and Tinsworthy, seeing the positive results, rewards them. Hart is exiled to manage a branch in Bolivia, while Violet is promoted to his position, and all three women celebrate their triumph.

The three principal actresses are a tour de force in this demanding musical, they were all amazing, congratulations.

There were some lovely performances from the supporting roles too. Ali Bentley-Jones as Roz, Hart's devoted PA. Her comic, tragic rendition of ‘Heart to Hart’ we learned of her unrequited love for Hart. Callum Makin is to be praised for his sensitive portrayal as accountant Joe, the younger man who pursues, and eventually wins the love of Violet and her son Josh Newstead (George Morrell).  Office girls Missy (Joanna Barker) Kathy (Liv Morrell) Margaret (Katie Peers) a lady who likes her drink; convincing performance, and Maria (Julie Saville) were spot on. The principal ladies’ husbands Stetson wearing Dwayne Rhodes (Matt Harvey) and Brian Berry (Dick Bernly) Judy’s philandering husband all added to the fun.  Praise must go to the dancers, Libby Bentley-Jones, Anna Greaves, Caitlan Lee and Gloria Morrell and the full ensemble, too many to mention individually, you were all a joy, the audience loved you all.

This production was a true team performance; it was an evening of pure live entertainment from St Pauls Musical Theatre Company. Thank you.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

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