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.
Reviews, Blogs and Thoughts by Lara Wadey 