9 to 5 The Musical

I must confess that I have seen this show many times, both amateur and professional, I even know most of the dialogue and music - but it never ceases to thrill and delight me at each showing. This must be due to the tuneful, country music, courtesy of Miss Dolly Parton herself, along with a funny quirky book by Patricia Resnick. Add to the mix a brilliant company who bring it all to life and you have a winner!

For those of you unfamiliar with the story - the tale is set in 1979 - so remember those old typewriters, big shoulders and even bigger hairstyles - we are in the offices of Consolidated Industries run by their difficult and misogynist boss, Franklin Hart Jnr. One of the employees, Violet, is fed-up with being passed over for promotion by men junior to her - Doralee is Mr Hart's secretary (a role taken by Dolly herself in the film) and she hates him, as he is always trying to 'come-on' to her, although the other employees are convinced they are having an affair - a new employee, Judy, is taken under Violet's wing as it transpires she has no office experience at all, she just needs a job as her husband has left her for a younger model. I think you realise where all this is taking us when the three girls kidnap Mr Hart and take over the running of the office - naturally, much better than Mr Hart ever did! The story, though whimsical, ends in triumph for the three whistle-blowers - and in the hope that things will change for women in the work-place - that battle is still with us......

And now to this latest production, courtesy of LIDOS. Once again, this group have surpassed themselves with a brilliant production, bringing new ideas into the story which I was delighted to note. This was a first solo directorial debut of Emma Thomson - and a very fine job she made of it - she moved her actors around the stage with panache - they were well rehearsed, with good diction and heartfelt empathy for their characters. The musical director was Sean Gleeson and although out of sight to the audience, made sure the performers were spot-on with their vocals - a good sound from the nine-piece band as well.

Once again, the winning team of choreoraphers, Emma Temest and Donna Wells  worked their cast hard with strong movement and dance, coping with office desks, filing cabinets et al...... the stage never looked cluttered. They had some lovely dancers, creating some excellent interpretations adding to the story-line. 

The cast fitted their roles like gloves - Claire Hoyland, as Violet, came across wonderfully - she captured the frustration of an overlooked employee and, as always, with an incredible voice for her solos, especially the stand-out 'One of the Boys', Poppy-Jo Lumley played Doralee with all the charm and tenacity of Miss Parton herself - the comedy was just right, not too overdone which can so easily happen with this role. I particularly liked the 'Backwoods Barbie' number. Kirsty Barnes played the hapless Judy, who blossomed before our eyes from a nervous employee to someone able to go through life with confidence - an endearing performance and her final solo number, 'Get Out and Stay Out' really knocked our socks off - a very moving rock ballad. The inimitable James Sidgwick played the nasty Mr Hart with relish - you could almost hear the women in the audience bristle at his remarks - but his comedy timing is fabulous and he made the most of his dialogue!  Amy Lodge played Roz - the PA to Mr Hart, who absolutely adores him (but he can't stand her!). Her big solo number, 'Heart to Hart', in which she reveals her true feelings for Mr Hart was brilliant, again with good comic timing. It was good to see James Pegg on the LIDOS stage - he played Joe, a junior accountant at Consolidated and was holding a torch for Violet - a very self-assured performance. Supporting the main principals so well were Naomi Mothersille (Maria), Sophie Ketteringham (Kathy), Kelly Taylor (Margaret), James Preston (Josh), Ross Tonkin (Dwayne), Mark Gale (Dick), Sophie Massa (Missy), Grace Hodgson (Candy Striper/New Girl), Graham Siddle (Mr Tinsworthy) and Mark Gale (Bob/Dectective). The rest of the talented cast were Shae Ogley, James Webster, Ruby Stephenson, Marina Tapley, Adele Kirby, Martha Harding, Julie Marshall, Esther Lewis and Emma Cole.

A good production always has a good team of creatives - and LIDOS should pride themselves on these talented people. Ian Thomson as Stage Manager, also designed the set - strikingly simple, yet so effective - I particularly liked the 'clock' effects - Assistant Stage Manager, the dedicated Paul Harding. Chris Beardwell and Adam Moore were credited as the Technical Department - covering video walls, lighting, sound and many other things, I guess, superb as always; Helen Thomson, Props, Leigh Craven and Lauren Hampshaw, Follow Spots and an admirable stage crew, whisking furniture on and off stage in record speed - Kira Dable, Keith Speight, Charlotte Stenhouse, Jordan Stenhouse and Helen Thomson, Costume co-ordination Claire Jackson, Rosie Oxford and Mandi Rugg. Rehearsal Accompaniment, Tom Mitchell and Alex Faulkner. Last but not least, Doralee's Wig Dresser Jeanette Thompson - big hair at it's finest!

From the very start of the show, with a video of Dolly Parton herself, urging us to 'you'all' enjoy yourselves, to the final block-busting number, this was such a joyous evening's entertainment; there may have been a heatwave outside but energy levels never flagged by this very talented cast - oh how I wish I could have been onstage with them!  Congratulations to you all!

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