Theatre Review: 9 To 5 The Musical - New Wimbledon Theatre (UK Tour) ✭✭✭✭
9 To 5 The Musical
Music & Lyrics By
Dolly Parton
Written By Patricia Resnick
Directed By Jeff Calhoun
Directed By Jeff Calhoun
Tuesday 24th
October: Following the success of the classic 80’s hit movie ‘9 to 5’
starring the legendary Dolly Parton, this new musical adaptation direct from
Broadway certainly had a lot to live up to. This expectation was apparent just from
the excited pre-show conversations that filled the sold out venue at the New
Wimbledon Theatre.
Opening with a cheeky and somewhat charming video narration
from Parton herself, the production kicks off with that familiar musical number
that instantly has the audience singing along. The music that follows is just
as good and catchy as the song the production is known for.
Based on the hit movie, ‘9 to 5 The Musical’ is a
light-hearted comedy about three female office workers who seek revenge on
their egotistical and sexist boss Franklin Hart played by the very convincing
Ben Richards (series regular in The Bill
and Holby City). Conspiring to take
over the company the three feisty females set out not only to turn the tables
on their bigot boss but to prove to everyone that it is not longer ‘a man’s
world’.
Jackie Clune gives a knockout
performance as Violet, with outstanding vocals and a feisty humour that often
has the audience chuckling. Amy
Lennox as Dora Lee also belts out a few impressive musical numbers successfully
filling Dolly Parton’s humongous....shoes. But the biggest surprise of the
night was Natalie Casey (best known as Donna in Two Pints of Lager) who puts her mark on the show with a very witty
and loveable portrayal of Judy. Although not the strongest vocalist of the
three females, Casey’s fantastically emotional and heartfelt performance of
‘Get Out and Stay Out’ was the musical highlight of the whole show.
This glittery musical comedy is absolutely perfect for a
girl’s night out; however the gents shouldn’t be put off as they can definitely
appreciate it to. Having dragged my boyfriend to his first ever musical
experience he had a big fat smile throughout the entire performance and I even
caught him singing once or twice!
9 to 5 The Musical is full of fun, comedy and upbeat musical
numbers that will have you on your feet and singing by the end of it. Even if
you aren’t a fan of country music or Dolly Parton, this is still a definite
must see!
Four stars out five ✭✭✭✭
