Review and pics: 9 to 5 The Musical, South Staffs Musical Theatre Company, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre
Once upon a time, in towns and cities not very far away, workplaces were ruled by a gang known as 'the Boys'. Women workers made the tea, fetched and carried for the bosses and got chased around the desk a lot.
But the nastiest boss of all was a 'sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot' by the name of Franklin Hart Jnr. He was tyrannical and mean to all the women who worked in his office until three of them wreaked revenge upon him using a superpower previously unheard of back in 1979 – girl power!
This, sisters, is essentially the plot for the latest offering from the South Staffs Musical Theatre Company – the very funny 9 to 5 The Musical.
Opening night proved a little traumatic for this popular am dram company when leading lady Maria Shee fell ill and understudy Zoe Wiltshire had to step up to play the role of Violet Newstead 'at very short notice'.
Apart from the odd fluffed line and apparent glances at lines in latter scenes, the eleventh hour switch was not evident and it was a sterling effort from Wiltshire who captured the inner fortitude of the widowed mother pushed into extreme action by her bullying boss.
Fortunately, the actress was in safe hands with the support of co-stars Lexie Bennett and Abbie Rai. Bennett was transformed as the cowgirl Doralee Rhodes in the role made famous by Queen of Country Dolly Parton. Rhodes oozed the Backwoods Barbie-girl glamour of the feisty Texan – never letting her accent slip – and gave a consistently strong vocal performance.
There is, incidentally, a virtual appearance from 9 to 5 original Parton who acts as narrator for the show.
Completing the girl power trio is Judy Bernly, played by Rai, who is a recently cheated housewife forced into the world of work – despite lacking any practical skills whatsoever. Rai portrays the evolution of this vulnerable 'mouse' into a confident and independent woman with strength and humour. But she particularly shines in such musical numbers as I Just Might and the powerful Get Out & Stay Out when she finally learns to live without Dick.
The slimeball, misogynist boss Hart is captured brilliantly by Simon McGee who is utterly despisable in this convincing performance. Special mention should also go to Natasha Bennett who is very funny as Hart's besotted worker Roz Keith.
The script offers line after line of often tongue-in-cheek humour and almost incredible linguistic chavenisms which were consistently well delivered – and well received by the delighted audience.
As ever, the company as a whole offers some lively choreography, quality vocal support – overcoming slight sound niggles and strong competition from the orchestra – and countless, slick scene changes.
This is a feelgood show with a lot of laughs and something for everyone. For the ladies – the girls come out on top. And for the men – well there is Doralee Rhodes and Dolly Parton. Everyone's a winner.
Runs until Saturday.
By Diane Davies
