9 to 5

I’d never seen the musical 9-5 before nor the 1980 film which the musical is based on, so I was really interested in seeing what it was all about!
The musical is based on a book written by Patricia Resnick with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and although set in the late 1970s, the issues raised, are as prevalent today as they’ve ever been!  The story follows three secretaries who, sick and tired of their boss's sexism and totally inappropriate behaviour, decide to 'kidnap' him and run the company themselves with, of course, brilliant results!

The production ‘opened’ with the title song ‘9 to5’, probably the only song that I actually knew in the show; but what an opening...it set the pace and tone for the entire show! 

There is little doubt that the success of this musical is heavily reliant on the three female leads and this production had a formidable trio.......... 
Violet Newstead an efficient, smart single working mum, overlooked many times for promotion was brilliantly played by Diane Glover.  Diane brought out the many sides of Violet; assertiveness, resolve, subtle humour and a sensitive caring side in her scenes with Joe. 
Sarah Johnson had the unenviable task of playing Doralee Rhodes, the part played by Dolly Parton in the film; a voluptuous sexy, happily married country girl, disliked by the other female workers because they believe she was having an affair with the boss. With a role like this, it is so easy to try and impersonate Dolly; this didn’t happen and Sophie made the part her own with a little ‘Dolly’ thrown in for good measure! 
Katie Speakman was superb as the vulnerable, insecure new girl Judy Bernly. After being dumped by her husband, Judy arrives at ‘Consolidated’ with no secretarial experience and, if not for the help of her co-workers, her first day could well have been her last!  But, it didn’t take her long to get rid of her insecurities and gain enough confidence to tell her husband, when he tried to win her back, to ‘Get Out and Stay Out ‘ a meaningful number, delivered with absolute conviction that brought the house down!  Well done Katie!
Franklin Hart Jr. was expertly played by the versatile Si Foster. Si was entirely believable as the pompous, smarmy, lecherous business leader who was so full of his own self importance!  There was little or no doubt that the audience thoroughly enjoyed it when he got his “come-uppance”! 
Beth Collins played the part of the over-zealous office ‘tell-tale’ Roz Keith really well. Frustrated and in love with Hart, she gained little sympathy from her co-workers or from the audience.  Well done Beth. 
It was also great to see ‘youth’ being given a chance and stepping up!  I was fortunate enough to too be invited to see a brilliant youth production some months ago at the Theatre Royal; three males Kieran Maleedy, Scott Copeland and Elliot Bailey and two females Emily Caldwell and Izzi Watkins from that production took to the stage in 9 to 5 and where not overawed or out of place at all. Special mention to Kieran Maleedy who played the part of Joe with great assurance; his scenes with Violet showed off a sensitive and caring side, but he was able to also produce moments of subtle humour...congrats Kieran.
There were many other roles that shone - too numerous to mention, although Jean Aspinall (Margaret the Office Drunk) and Elliot Bailey (Josh, Violet’s teenage son) are worthy of note as was the ensemble, who complimented the principles in everything they were as asked to do. 
But, I do think the real success of this show came down to not only great casting but great team togetherness!  When your ‘run’ is but four performances long and then you lose a ‘performance’ due to reasons beyond your control, cast/crew//the society can lose heart; but having witnessed the disappointment when the show was cancelled on the Friday and then having had the pleasure to watch it performed on the Saturday....I can assure you that didn’t happen here and there’s little doubt that the reason it didn’t happen was the ‘togetherness’ of the entire society!
As well as the cast/crew ‘pulling together’, I do feel the Production Team must also take a great deal of credit ... Si Foster not only the lead male in the show but the Director, Wayne Oakes  Musical Director, Anna Whittle, Choreographer must all be congratulated. As previously stated the casting was superb, the music amazing and the choreography showcased the talents of the cast.  
‘9 to 5’ didn’t look like the easiest show to stage either, a big set with many scene changes to be navigated ... a massive congratulation to Mike Randolph (Stage Manager) and his crew for the efficient manner in which they dealt with everything that was thrown at them.
‘Congrats’ also to Ann Connolly (Wardrobe Mistress), the costumes were excellent and in keeping with the era. The sound and lighting was ideal, as it usually is at the Theatre Royal;  
all three elements enhanced the overall effect of this show.
If I could be so bold as to offer just one piece of ‘constructed criticism’.... ACCENTS!   
They come along in most productions.... they are essential but what should never be forgotten is ‘diction’!  It’s paramount that your audience is able to understand what you’re saying or singing; 
if they don’t, it’s so easy to lose the essence of the storyline.

Finally, congratulations once again to everyone involved. Thank you so much for inviting us, for your hospitality throughout and for making us so welcome. Look forward to seeing you all again soon.

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