9 to 5

At long last, the Dolly Parton musical made its Academy Theatre debut, courtesy of Little Shed Entertainments. Directed, Musically Directed and Choreographed by Husband and Wife team, Cev and Nicola Barker, this was a great show with wonderful performances.

The three leading ladies, with their different characteristics, really held their own and this show together. Elsa Cawood-Storey was mesmerising as office supervisor, Violet Newstead. Cawood- Storey showed great versatility in all her numbers and proved what a great actress she is. Lucy Mulvihill, as Judy Bernly, displayed vine vocals throughout the evening, and you could hear a pin drop as she took on the 11 o’clock number Get Out and Stay Out. Mulvihill is also an accomplished comedian as her delivery of Judy’s punch lines was spot on. Doralee, the secretary, was portrayed by Dolly Parton in the film, therefore the audience does expect a certain presentation on the stage. Step forward and bow Ellie Needham. Needham gave a standout performance, with the accent never faltering.If you closed your eyes, it could have infact been Parton herself on the stage. Her Backwoods Barbie was the highlight of the night for me. 

Cev Barker was his usual brilliant self as Franklin Hart Jnr, the sexist, lying, hypercritical, bigot. He managed to get everything out of this role and make him completely unlikeable. A difficult job when Barker himself is so likeable. Julia Jones as Roz Keith was hilarious as the adoring secretary and her comedy number, Heart to Hart was fantastic and one which let Jones shine like the sun. The main principals were well supported by Levi Ashton as Joe. Steven Brennan-Collis as Dick, Becci Riley as Kathy, Ellie Harding as Maria, Beverley Jacques as the office lush, Margaret, Dean Watson as Tinsworthy, Sharron Sanger as Missy Hart and Alex Heron as Josh.   It would me amiss of me not to mention the talent of Harry Bladon. This young man continues to amaze me with every performance. Bladon is a true triple threat, and is absolutely mesmerising to watch. I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next for this talented young man. A small and hard working ensemble completed the line up. Although a comedy. The show isn’t without heart and the sentimental duet, Let Love Grow in Act 2 reformed by Violet and Joe, was very moving, as Violet comes to terms that she can love again following the death of her husband. 

The choreography was simple and effective and just right for the space, and singing, especially by the three leading ladies was on point. Hair and costumes were spot on for the period .

Thank you, Little Shed, for a great evenings entertainment.

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