“9 To 5 The Musical”

Nottingham Theatre Royal

“9 To 5 The Musical” tells the story of three women pushed to boiling point by their sexist, bigoted and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the ladies manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit? Inspired by the iconic 80’s film and brought to you by Dolly herself.

Starring Louise Redknapp as Violet. I will freely admit that I had a bit of a crush on Louise back in the day, and she looks better today than ever. I've never seen Louise in an acting role and I was pleasantly surprised. Louise was at ease on stage, as you'd expect, and we all know that she can sing and dance. Louise showcases her big voice in a brilliant West End style song and dance number called "One Of The Boys".

Vivian Panka plays Judy, and she makes her UK debut in this musical, after starring in various musicals in the Netherlands. Vivian is made for musicals as she has a great voice. One of my highlights of this musical has always been the power ballad "Get Out And Stay Out" which is Judy's big number. She shows tender vocals, power vocals and ends with her spitting out the words in anger at her ex, Dick, who was dumped by Mindi, the twenty-year-old who he left Judy for, and thought he could just walk back into Judy's life. By this time though Judy has become a strong independent woman, so Dick has no chance!

Stephanie Chandos is Doralee, who is based strongly on Dolly herself. I love the song "Backwoods Barbie", as always Dolly's lyrics tell a story and this has a lovely story to tell about not judging a book by the cover, which ties in with Doralee's character in the musical.

Roz is Hart Jr.'s secretary who has a bit of a crush on her boss, is played by Julia J Nagle. Well I say a "bit of a crush", she would go to the ends of the earth for him. A wonderful comic role for Julia and another highlight for me is the amazing transformation Roz goes through in a brilliant fantasy segment of the show. I've seen "9 To 5 The Musical" a few times previously and this part of the show always puts a smile on my face. I am sure that Julia enjoys playing this lovely comic role as much as we enjoy watching her play it.

Playing the big boss man, Franklin Hart Jr is Sean Needham, and like I have said previously, I've seen this musical several times before but I think Sean has got to be my favourite to date. Hed has a great sense of comedy and extracts the proverbial from Hart Jnr's character with ease. He also has a great voice to back up his acute comedy skills and acting ability. Another triple threat.

The supporting cast and ensemble dancers flood the stage with energy, and there is plenty to see, in more ways than one as there is nudity, done in the best possible taste, and high energy levels from everyone.

There are several tweaks to this production and that has given the musical a really fresh feel about it. Even though it is still set in the 1980's, there is a crispness to the script, which has made this even more enjoyable and ever relevant. The line about men and women getting equal pay and that it would not even be talked about in ten years' time drew a reaction from the audience and I loved that, at certain times, the actors broke the fourth wall by turning to look at the audience, just to make sure the comedy and relevant comments hit their targets.

The songs are all the work of Dolly Parton, who has re-recorded her video appearances since I last saw the show and has updated the comedy. I have seen Dolly Parton live in concert and absolutely adore her music and Dolly herself. She has a self-deprecating sense of humour which makes you warm to Dolly the person as much as Dolly the performer. The lyrics are sharp and truthful and deliver serious messages wrapped in brilliant music and with more than a twinkle in her eye. What is there not to love about the incredible Dolly Parton?

The choreography in this show is so full on and combines many dance styles, from street to tango and some classic smooth Hollywood/West End moves. Choreographer Lisa Stevens has earned her money with this show and the dancers also, even though they looked as if they never even broke a sweat. A tribute to their dance skills and stamina.

One thing you notice when you walk in the auditorium is the set, and this again, as far as I can remember is very different with at least 88 old computer modules, you know the big bulky ones used back in the 80's framing the stage and going to the back of the stage. very impressive! Designer Tom Rogers has done an incredible job with these stage sets.

An amazing amount of props are used in this musical as well and a possible nightmare for the props supervisor, Jennie Falconer. This is something that the audience may not notice, or take for granted but this particular job is no easy task with no time to take your eye off the ball!

You really can't beat the sound of a good orchestra and Dean McDermott and the orchestra really made some noise, some would say a little on the loud side, but not me. ok so there were just a couple of times when the vocals were slightly drowned by the sound of the orchestra but I was having fun so i didn't care as I know the musical and I love it loud and proud.

Brilliant wardrobe and wigs for this show, as you can imagine.

Another thing I really must mention is the video design for this show. IT IS AMAZING!! Truly West End standard and gives a wonderful sense of distance and depth to the stage.

It is a brilliant, fun story, with the book having been written by Patricia Resnick, and brought to vivacious life by this wonderful cast and technical team.

Absolutely nothing at all to call out, so I just sat back and let this wonderfully fluffy fantastical show take over for the evening.

“9 To 5 The Musical” is at the Nottingham Theatre Royal until Saturday 30 October, so tomorrow tumble out of bed and stumble to the phone or computer and get your tickets NOW!