Dolly Parton’s smash hit 9 to 5 the Musical is currently touring the country and we were there for opening night at Blackpool’s Grand Theatre. Based on the much loved 1980 film which starred Dolly and for which she wrote and composed all of the music and lyrics, this feel good musical is packed full of great songs and laugh out loud moments.
The show opens with Dolly Parton’s famous song, 9 to 5 followed by an introduction from Dolly herself via a ghettoblaster, instantly transporting the audience back to the time of my teenage years – the 1980’s. We hear Dolly’s voice again at the start of the second half and again at the end which is a really nice touch for Dolly’s many fans.
For those not familiar with the story it follows three overworked office employees, Violet, Judy and Doralee, who are pushed to breaking point by their sexist, arrogant boss. Violet, played by Jade Marvin, is an experienced office supervisor who has worked at the company for years and is hoping for a promotion. Judy Bernly (Kayla Carter) is newly single and is entering the workplace for the first time and Doralee Rhodes (Karla Tracey) is PA to the slimy CEO, Franklin Hart Jnr, played by Tim Rogers.
United by their frustrations, the trio form an unlikely friendship and soon begin imagining how much better life could be if someone finally stood up to Hart. What follows is a wonderfully funny adventure filled with some very clever twists and surprises along the way.
Whilst the majority of the employees dislike Hart, his admin assistant Roz Keith (played by Jessica Martin), is besotted with him. She gives a fantastic performance in what for me was a highlight of the night, in the song Heart to Hart, surprising the audience with her hilarious and raunchy performance.
The main cast members all gave brilliant performances. Karla Tracey is perfectly cast as Doralee, her voice was fantastic and perfectly mimics Dolly’s southern country style. Tim Rogers as Franklin Hart Jnr brings the house down, never taking the character seriously, completely playing for laughs and with perfect comic timing he is very, very funny from start to finish.
Amanda Stoodley’s set was simple but effective and worked well as an office with the printers and office equipment cleverly hidden away. It was also very nice to see the band performing on stage rather than being out of sight below the stage.
The show is packed full of catchy songs including 9 to 5, Backwards Barbie, Shine Like the Sun and One of the Boys and I guarantee that you will be humming them all the way home!
You don’t need to be a Dolly fan to go and see this musical, if you want a good fun night out, where you’ll find yourself tapping your toes and laughing your way through then go and see it whilst it is at Blackpool.
9 to 5 The Musical is at The Grand Theatre until Saturday 25th July with tickets starting at £18. For more information or to book tickets visit their website here
Photo credits Andrew Howard.
The Review Studio 