Theatre Review: 9 to 5 the Musical - King's Theatre, Glasgow ✭✭✭

Based on the hit 1980 film of the same name, 9 to 5 is bursting at the sequins with Dolly Parton’s music supported by Patricia Resnick's book. From the moment the show begins with the distinctive beat from the song 9 to 5 feet start tapping along. The opening sequence is introduced by Dolly, projected onto the face of a huge clock and she reappears at key moments as an omniscient narrator - unusual but somehow it works.

The three female leads, Jackie Clune, Natalie Casey and Amy Lennox create a formidable trio in Violet, Judy and Doralee. Jackie Clune is sensational as Violet, the seasoned office professional. Her show stopping performance of One of the Boys is a real show of girl power. As Judy the nervous newbie, Natalie Casey shines bringing Judy's sheltered life into the comedic limelight then expertly reveals Judy's vulnerabilities with an emotional performance of Get Out and Stay Out. The misunderstood blonde bombshell Doralee is a swift reminder to everyone not to judge a book by its cover. Amy Lennox deftly plays Doralee's complex emotions and her beautiful performance of Backwoods Barbie is heart wrenching.

Ben Richards certainly deserves a good sport award for his character portrayal. As the vile and sleazy Franklin Hart jnr he ends up in a number of difficult situations from being hog tied by a phone cable while wearing hot pink pants to being unceremoniously dangled in the air while held captive before finally ending the show shirtless and in a grass skirt - there's no denying the rat of a boss gets his comeuppance in the end!

9 to 5 is an ensemble piece and this particularly shows during the rousing Change It. The only criticism of the piece is its' set. The  impressive 3D shunt and shift scenery creates an expansive and bustling office environment as well as a number of other locations but the size of the cumbersome pieces results in lengthy scene changes requiring unnecessary dance interludes to pad the time until the scenery is set.That said it doesn't detract from the overall enjoyment factor it just creates pauses that cut the pace a little.

9 to 5 is a joyous, fun night out and it’s easy to see why it continues to dazzle audiences across the country. Tumble out of bed and head to the box office to join in.

3 stars out of 5 ✭✭✭

9 to 5 is at the King's Theatre until  17th August. Visit www.atgtickets.com/Glasgow for tickets and further information.