“9 To 5 The Dolly Parton Musical” by ESNA Players
Loughborough Town Hall

It's been so long since I've seen this musical that I'd forgotten just how much fun this show is.

Music and lyrics are by Dolly Parton and the book was written by Patricia Resnick. The musical is based on the 1980 film and set in the late 1970’s. Three female co-workers have been pushed to boiling point by their boss, so they plan to get their own back!

Now this musical is, on the outside light, fluffy bundle of fun, but just under the surface there is a relative and serious reminder of what's happening in the world today. #MeToo. the subject of equality with equal pay for female workers and the way that they are treated in the workplace. Just goes to show how far we have, or have not moved on in the last few decades.

That aside the production lives up ti the standard I've come to expect from ESNA.

Laura Hardy (Doralee) is great fun to watch, and just like the real Dolly that the character is based on, she may be blonde but she ain't no dumb blonde. Laura injects a lot of fun into the play with high energy levels. Her vocals are well suited to the Country style, and along with the other ladies in the show, looks like she is having a ball in this role.

Emma Adcock (Violet) matches Laura and Nicky with her wonderful vocals, as well as glamour, and equally fun to watch. Her big song "One Of the Boys" is pure Broadway as she strives for equality and promotion.

Nicky Hignett (Judy) gets to wear an amazing red dress in this musical and she looks, and sounds, amazing. her version of "Get Out And Stay Out" made me tingle, especially that end note!

Natasha Bryan (Roz) gets to show two sides of Roz. You know that mousy secretary who then whips off the glasses and lets her hair down, well, that's what you see in Roz. From mouse to sex bomb in one song. The applause level rose after her "5 To 9" number.

Gareth Busson (Hart) maybe the boss who is under fire, quite literally in one part of the show. he is hung up, branded, poisoned, shot up, ties up with telephone cord but, as an actor I bet he enjoyed every second of this character role. He smashed this part.

Lewis Fenn Griffin (Joe) becomes the hero of the hour with his nerdy know how,and Joe's a man who gets what he wants as well... in the end. Lovely character acting.

An epic supporting cast and the ensemble dance pieces are lovely to see, especially the tap number, and I love a good tap ensemble piece.

The choreography by Carl Edwards is energetic but these dancers make it look so easy. And when it looks that easy, I know that that a great deal of hard work has been put into it.

Gareth Wynne is the Musical Director and anyone who has been to the Town Hall before for a musical evening will know what great acoustics this place has. When you have an MD of this standard, you know that the quality of the music is also the best, and it was a beautiful and clear sound the orchestra produced.

With this show there is also the addition of Dolly Parton's image segments within the show, so working the live music around these features is also another thing that Director and Musical Director had to get spot on. And they did.

Directed by Benjamin Hardy, and I can't believe that this his full musical directorial debut, what with his decades of performing in musicals.

I really must doff my cap to the stage management crew, led by Simon Pack. the speed that the scenes were changed were as rapid as any professional touring show I have seen. Stage Direction by Ash Moulton.

Loved the costumes which really made me feel like I was back in the 1970's.

Lighting design by Kevin Cutts and Sound by Rob Temperton and Harry Bridge.

I've no idea if the Town Hall was as packed throughout the week as it was this afternoon, but I'm hoping it was because I know that ESNA have an incredibly loyal fan base. Not only that but I love to see a full theatre enjoying quality local theatre shows like this one.

"9 To 5" ends tonight for ESNA and I have a feeling that the cast will be having the biggest of post show blues. Another success for everyone involved.