9 to 5 The Musical

I’ve always loved the story told in 9 to 5 and this show made it even better.  A great beginning with Dolly Parton on screen who popped up occasionally to make sure we knew what was going on and we certainly did!  Having been in an office all my working life, there is often someone who you do not like or do not get on with and although that sort of revenge never took place (as far as I know!), the three girls concerned can’t be blamed for taking it in the case of their deplorable boss, Franklin Hart – the original male chauvinist pig - the role played by David Nicholles who, as he admitted in the programme notes, was really enjoying playing the baddie!  A really great performance.

The scenery was absolutely ideal – so well designed and the backstage staff must be congratulated on getting desks etc on and off stage in split second timing.

Great performances from the three employees who eventually gave Mr Hart his comeuppance - (Linda Thompson as Violet Newstead, Rebecca Bruce as Judy Bernly and Kayleigh Hollobone as Doralee Rhodes) and Nicola Cullen, who as Roz Keith was madly in love with the incredibly horrid Hart, gave another strong performance. The whole ensemble each had a named part and they all added so much to what was going on.

All the musical numbers were put over to great effect with some excellent choreography, and the band gave superb accompaniment throughout.  The band were working separately, ie the keyboards and timpani in front of the stage in the hall and the rest of the musicians in the adjacent foyer – all perfectly synchronised and never too loud for what was happening on stage.

Everyone was wearing what would have been worn in the late seventies when the show was set, all down to the good work of the Wardrobe Team.

This was a show that deserved good audiences and I understand that was the case.  Directors Chris and Linda Thompson work so hard with HATS so congratulations to them on another successful production. Linda also carried out the choreography and Michelle Radley musically directed with her excellent band.

This was a show not to be missed – I loved it!

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