Theatre Review: 9 to 5: The Musical by Lara Wadey

9 to 5 The Musical is back in business and the tour starring Louise Redknapp from the West End is here in Aylesbury for the week.

With the weather turning, if you ever needed a little pick me up, you have found it. I wasn’t overly excited to review this show, I assumed it would just be another jukebox musical that I would enjoy, but would quickly forget about, I haven’t seen the film so it was a blank canvas for me. How wrong was I!!

The show begins with a huge, gold glitter sign 9 to 5, where Dolly appears with an introduction to the show. Cheesy? Maybe, but you can’t help but love Dolly. Dolly then begins telling the story of three work colleagues that have had enough of their sexist boss; so, they plan to kidnap him and take life into their own hands and run ‘Consolidated Industries’ themselves, in true girl power style.

The three strong leading women, Violet Newstead, played by Louise Redknapp, a supervisor desperate for a promotion. Judy Bernly, played by Vivian Panka, a woman whose husband left her for a younger woman, even at 21-years-old and my favourite Doralee Rhodes, played by Stephanie Chandos, an absolute babe and fabulous to watch, who is prejudged because everyone thinks she’s sleeping with the boss. Each one of them brought something different to the party.  I felt there was a slow start to the show, but my feelings soon changed as soon as Franklin Hart Jnr. played by Sean Needham came to the stage, the show was in full swing. I mean, who doesn’t love a man in bondage, who licks his fingers and rubs his own nipples?!

The set was bright and vibrant and the computer monitors as lighting were extremely effective, as well as the large screen at the back bringing the show to life.

The play was clearly written by someone that I would get along with, a kinky fiend with a repertoire of classic corny jokes that will never fail to raise a smile and get the whole audience laughing. There were also strong vocals that kept you in the moment and touched your heart, the song ‘I just might’ stood out for me. In Act II, Louise Redknapp came to life in her rendition of ‘One of the boys’, showing her talent as a dancer.

You don’t have to be a Dolly Parton fan, nor have seen the film to enjoy this hilarious musical, it’s energetic throughout, full of laugher, comedy and one liners; to be honest I think the men enjoyed it just as much as the ladies.

9 to 5 The Musical runs until Saturday 2nd October at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Tickets are available here or call the Box Office on 0844 874 7607.

Review: Hairspray The Musical at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre by Lara Wadey

It’s official Aylesbury Waterside Theatre is back!

After 538 days of the theatre being closed – I could not have been more excited to receive an invitation to Hairspray The Musical and the Reopening Gala Night at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre.

Turning up to what felt like a sold-out performance of Hairspray; the whole theatre was full of energy, I loved watching people flick through programmes, recognising familiar faces we haven’t seen for 18 months; as well as the theatre pulling out all the stops with hotdogs, diner décor and goody bags, making us feel that we were back in the 60s America.

I took my 16-year-old daughter with me who loves the film. I guess Hairspray to teenagers these day, is what Grease or Dirty Dancing was to me growing up.

As the show started, we were transported back to 1962 in Baltimore, where Katie Brace shone as she made her professional stage debut as Tracy Turnblad; she is a big girl with big hair and an even bigger dream to dance on national TV on The Corny Collins Show, she even dared to dream of taking the title of Miss Teenage Hairspray 1962; and she also wanted to fall into the arms of heartthrob Link Larkin (Ross Clifton). In doing so, the show touches some serious subjects including racism, sexism and body image; as she finds herself fighting for racial equality to make every day a Negro Day – in her heart she just wants to make the world a better place.

The cast is without a doubt tremendously talented, and from the last time I saw it, three years ago, the show really has gone from strength to strength; with strong vocals and excellent choreography by Drew McOnie. For me, Seaweed (Akeem Ellis-Hyman) stole the show, you couldn’t help but love his energy.  

Alex Bourne and Norman Pace were a fabulous comedy act as Tracy’s parents, Edna and Wilbur. They brought a comedy element to the stage and a hilarious kissing scene, as well as the song ‘Timeless to Me’. I liked following her personal journey as she learn to accept herself and her own body image. It brought an extra element that I feel a lot of people would relate to in todays world.

I enjoyed the second half even more than the first. X-Factor finalist Brenda Edwards as Motormouth Maybelle was an unforgettable character and her strong presence and vocals lit up the stage, especially during her solo ‘I know where I’ve been’.

All in all, this is an energetic feel-good show which is full of dazzling costumes, energetic music, superbly choreographed dance routines and it has soul; it’s guaranteed to get you up and out of your seat dancing to the big finale. The well-deserved standing ovation and the joy on everyone’s faces proves that ‘You can’t stop the beat’.

Hairspray runs until Saturday 11^th September at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. Tickets are available here or call the Box Office on 0844 874 7607.