9 To 5 The Musical – A Working Day

Fans of the 1980s film starring Dolly Parton will love this stage version of 9-5 The Musical. It’s full of life, colour and energy. It is introduced, and closed, by Dolly Parton herself by way of a pre-recorded video and the entire show is lots of fun and is guaranteed to make you laugh.

However, there is an irony in that such a vision of work unpleasantness hits the stage within such a hilarious, feelgood, and ultimately joyous show.

Three women are living and working the 9-5 office life. They’re tormented by their sexist, misogynistic boss. Underpaid, overworked and seriously under-appreciated, they hatch a cunning plot to turn the tables and bring about his downfall.

The show embraces a number of serious themes, highlighting the vulnerable and unfair position in which many women who worked in offices in the 80’s found themselves, and whilst some Millennials may believe that the show should be consigned to history as an inappropriate and sexist romp, it remains as a popular and colourful homage to the 80s with well designed, colourful sets, well-orchestrated scenery changes and plenty of enthusiasm from a young and energetic cast.

Violet Newstead (Claire Sweeney) is a convincing budding CEO and is ably supported by Vivian Panka, who has a fantastic voice, and who took the part of Judy Bernly and Stephanie Chandos who brought the part of Doralee Rhodes, originally played by Dolly Parton, to life.

Their boss, Franklin Hart Jnr, played by Sean Needham and his ever-obliging secretary Roz played by Julia J Nagle were brilliant and raised many a laugh throughout the performance, but especially during their Heart to Hart number.

At the close of Act 1 Sean almost brought the house down with his predicament, an image I don’t think I will ever forget! And this from a man who is memorably (and accurately) described as a "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot".

Slick choreography and scene changes were cleverly managed so that the narrative moved seamlessly from one scene to the next without pause or interruption.

The only slight criticism would be that at times the volume of the live music overpowered the vocalists which is a shame but is something that could soon be remedied.

Adapted by Patricia Resnick from the original screenplay, the show remains faithful to the original film and you don’t have to look far to discover the underlying themes which are still relevant today arguing that equal pay for equal work, flexible working hours and the provision of child care make for a better business and a happier work force.

It's precisely because you don’t have to look far for these themes that I can’t help but wonder just how far women have come in the workplace, but that’s a topic for another day.

A great evening’s entertainment, guaranteed to make you smile and to travel home humming a tune.