9 to 5 The Musical

Book by Patricia Resnick, music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, 9 to 5 is a musical adaptation based on the 1980`s movie. Set in 1979, and centring around the lives of three women- Violet (Victoria Muir), Doralee (Jessie Turton) and Judy (Kira Cherrington) who all work in the same office under their lecherous sexist boss, Franklin Hart (Paul Atkinson), it tells of each woman's individual struggle in their pursuit to be recognised as more than just women, propping up men's egos when it suits the men, yet shuffled into the background when real praise is given.

The show, introduced by none other than Dolly Parton (not in person, but via projected image) giving us the backstories of each character. 

The three women were a tour de force… 

Victoria Muir, as the tired but dedicated Office Manager, Violet, gave a sterling performance with her leadership shining through. Violet's dry wit shone through as she worked with Hart and the rest of the office staff, with her rather cutting initial disliking of Doralee. Victoria portrayed the widowed Violet with both sensitivity and strength, (physically and vocally), the audience taken with her on her journey through the show.

Jessie Turton played the part of Doralee Rhodes (the Dolly Parton role). It would be easy for me just to say "she was Dolly" , but that would be unfair on Jessie, whose hard work shone through in this performance. Yes, she looked the part. Yes, she sang the part. Yes, her accent was great, but playing this kind of role is much more than doing an impression of Dolly — it's far more nuanced. Jessie did all of the above (including wig-balancing), and then some. Jessie met the challenge of this role head on with precise accent, vocals and sharp comic timing that were delivered with ease and were a joy to watch.  

Kira Cherrington's Judy was adorable and her development from an assailable, slightly naive victim into an emancipated strong woman was a total pleasure both physically and vocally- especially her vocals building through her earnest rendition of "Get Out and Stay Out".

Paul Atkinson was suitably sleazy as Franklin Hart, showing off his deft dance skills whilst making the audience both cringe and guffaw in equal measure. Paul's audience reaction for the bows said it all — boos more akin to a Panto Villain ringing out from everyone, showed how well Paul had performed the role.

One of my favourite characters in the show is Roz, the Franklin and policy obsessed Office Manager. Ruth Gardner gave us great characterisation throughout, with her "Heart to Hart" threatening to steal the show.

Duncan Ryan gave us a sensitively played Joe, the good guy accountant who falls for Violet. His duet with Violet was simply charming.

The supporting cast in their various roles all deserve a mention too- most notably, Joe Cambridge (Doralee`s husband, Dwayne), Charlie Anderson (Violet`s son, Josh), Missy- Hart's wife (Fay Phelps) and office drunk Margaret played by Tracy Blekinship. 

Special mention must go to Phil Huddart, whose infectious enthusiasm had us grinning from ear to ear- I bet he's still shaking his chac-chacs even now!

Aforementioned, this play generally focuses on the three women, but their characters would not have been believable without a strong, believable cast. Everyone on the stage came over as committed and totally in character. It was clear that everyone was having fun up there and this showed far beyond the footlights.

The set seemed quite easy to work with. Changes were slick, with bits and pieces hidden in fold out flats, making the scene changes seem effortless, though it will have taken a fair bit of work to make it seem so- especially with so many changes in this show, with complimentary lighting for the piece.

The orchestra under Chris Starr's baton sounded great, with the chorus giving us some lovely harmonies throughout the evening, and ensuring that all principals were diction perfect.

Shannon Whittle as Choreographer gave us some great high energy numbers and kept the chorus in check with their dances.

Director, Vanessa Whittle had clearly worked her cast hard, and the results were up there for all to see in what was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, as I'm sure you could tell by the audience reaction..

Thank You, Lancaster Red Rose, for your invitation

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