Theatre Review: 9 to 5 - Edinburgh Playhouse ✭✭✭✭
It's been over 30 years since Dolly Parton starred as Doralee Rhodes in
the movie 9 to 5 and now its come to life as a stage musical which opened at
the Edinburgh Playhouse this week.
The show begins with the sound of the well-known notes of 9 To 5, along with a large clock face where Dolly Parton makes a video appearance and plays the role of the narrator, which is warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic audience.
9 To 5 tells the tale of three women in the late 1970s working in the office of Consolidate Companies. Similar to many workplaces during this time, it's dominated by men who receive higher salaries and job promotions over the female employees.
The show begins with the sound of the well-known notes of 9 To 5, along with a large clock face where Dolly Parton makes a video appearance and plays the role of the narrator, which is warmly welcomed by the enthusiastic audience.
9 To 5 tells the tale of three women in the late 1970s working in the office of Consolidate Companies. Similar to many workplaces during this time, it's dominated by men who receive higher salaries and job promotions over the female employees.
Ben Richards as Franklyn J Hart certainly captures the overly confident
and chauvinistic boss, who gets taught an overdue lesson by Violet Newstead
(Jackie Clune), Judy Bernley (Natalie Casey) and Doralee Rhodes (Amy Lennox). Richards
fits the role of Mr Hart and demonstrates his talent during Here for You and Heart to Hart.
The trio gel brilliantly together and reflect the original
characters complete with voluminous haircuts. Violet is confident and
understands how the office is run, compared to recently divorced Judy, who is quite
timid. Lennox as country gal, Doralee, is feisty with strong vocals and witty
one liners.
The show is filled with comical moments that keep the
audience entertained throughout, particularly the characters of Bernley, Roz
Keith (Bonnie Langford) and Margaret (Lori Haley Fox). Langford is amazing
during Heart to Hart as she fantasises
about expressing her love to Mr Hart with powerful vocals and a fast-paced
dance routine.
The finale treats the audience to 9 To 5 with Dolly Parton on video, which offers the keen audience
the chance to sing along.
With lots of energy, humour and catchy songs, the three
women take the audience through the journey of working 9 to 5 in an office,
where they confront, not only Mr Hart and teach him a well-deserved lesson, but
also their individual problems.
Review by Mhairi Greer
9 to 5 is at the Edinburgh Playhouse until 1st December. For more information and tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/Edinburgh
Review by Mhairi Greer
9 to 5 is at the Edinburgh Playhouse until 1st December. For more information and tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/Edinburgh
