9 to 5 The Musical

9 to 5 The Musical is based on the 1980 film of the same name and features music and lyrics by Dolly Parton whose voice is heard as an introduction and also at the end. It is set in the 1970s and centres on the downtrodden working lives of three office staff - Violet Newstead, Doralee Rhodes and Judy Bernly. They conspire together to turn the tables on their sexist, lecherous, hypocritical. lying and egotistical boss, Franklin Hart and whilst he is 'out of the picture' they begin to make woman-friendly and equal opportunity changes in the workplace.

The aforementioned three ladies basically hold the show together and what an awesome and impressive trio they were. Violet, the Head Secretary, who is continually overlooked for promotion was superbly played by Lyndsey Ashley. She so dominated the stage and her acting, comic-timing and singing were just stunning as were her emotional outbursts which were brilliantly delivered. Doralee, thought of by her fellow workers as the 'office slut', is the role originally played by Dolly Parton, but, apart from the blonde wig, Leanne Collins definitely put her own slant on the part which she did marvellously. She was feisty and gutsy as she sexily flounced around the stage with great confidence and her acting and singing were splendid. An Excellent performance came from Julie Clifford as the new office girl Judy. From being totally insecure, downtrodden and recently divorced she blossomed into a fiery and strongly determined lady. Her acting and singing skills were wonderful especially her expressive delivery of 'Get Out and Stay Out'. They were definitely a dynamic trio. In the difficult role of Franklin Hart, Chris Peck portrayed the smarmy, arrogant and sexist traits of the character with great assurance. His sometimes lewd antics towards the women were a little unseemly at times, but true to character, and his most entertaining delivery was played to great effect especially when it eventually ended with him getting his just deserts. The role of Roz, the Administrative Assistant infatuated with Hart, was imposingly portrayed by Amanda Huntingdon, Nicky Constable was perfect as Joe, who so admires Violet, and his duet with her 'Let Love Grow' was so expressively sung and Katie Watkinson was just splendid as Margaret, the office drunk. Good support came from those in the more minor roles as well as from the members of the Ensemble whose singing and involvement in the many numbers was super. The choreography was excellent and well executed none more so than in the three 'Fantasy' scenes when each of the three ladies, with first-rate backing from the ensemble, imagine how they would kill Hart if they were a femme fatale, a rodeo star or Snow White. The set was ingeniously and innovatively designed and constructed by Ken Radmore and Mick Whitehouse. It consisted of a side extension to the right of the very small stage, which was used mainly as Hart's office, back flats with a sliding centre panel from which office furniture etc. emerged and by the use of a gauze the many scene changes were accomplished so efficiently and swiftly by the Stage Crew. The set was enhanced by Scenic Artists Andrew and Sabina Aucock and by some excellent props.The lovely costumes, lighting sound and music accompaniments were all fine and together with a very enthusiastic and energetic cast the outcome was an extremenly entertaining and lively show. Many congratulations to the Production Team and to everyone involved and many thanks also for the wonderful hospitality that I received.

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