"9 To 5 - The Musical" by Beeston Musical Theatre Group.

Duchess Theatre, Long Eaton.

Based on the 1980 movie of the same name, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and the book by Patricia Resnick. It’s set in the late 1970’s and is a story of friendship and revenge and even a little romance thrown into the mix.

Three female office co-workers, Violet, Judy and Doralee concoct a plan to get even with their sexist, egotistical, hypocritical, lying bigot of a boss, Franklin Hart. While the boss is “busy”, the trio give their workplace a makeover and take control of the company that had always held them back.

The storyline is thin but that is of no real importance because the musical is fantastically fun and fluffy all the way, and the cast know this as they sometimes break the fourth wall, as if letting us in on the fact that they know that we know.

Doralee, the sexy Southern belle becomes the subject of many of the office rumours based purely on what Hart has said, is played by Emily Owen. 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. there's a brilliant line delivered by Doralee as she addresses her boss, Hart, advising him that she has the power to turn him from a rooster to a hen that rallies the audience behind her. Doralee's wig was so big, it must have had its' own zip code but added to the "tongue in cheek" fun feel of the show. Thanks to Simon Theobold for the hire of the wig - it looked better on Emily than it would on Simon!

Violet, the office manager who, while Hart is in charge will never be CEO is played by Sara Evans-Bolger. You can feel Violet's frustration from the stage, and that also gets the appreciative audience on Tuesday night right behind her regarding equal rights for women in the workplace, as well as in life! Sara's performance is akin to a pocket rocket, sizzling away until she explodes, and is as colourful as any firework! I must just mention the "Potion Notion" sequence which, if you like Disney, you will adore this scene.

Violet's teenage son, Josh, is played by Arden-Caspar Jennison. A textbook, moody teenager who has trouble finding a clean pair of socks in the washing pile, but also provides Violet and her office buddies with a doobie-ous way to relax and let their hair down! When this happens their imaginations run wild in three dream sequences involving Hart. Arden is also involved in the ensemble and, along with several other cast members have several very quick costume changes. Really good to see Arden back in a song and dance mode as well.

Judy is the newly divorced lady who is an office worker for the first time is played by Brogan Jones. What a change from the initial appearance as the uber nervous, confidence knocked office tryout to the Judy we see at the end of the musical, where she belts out my favourite power ballad from the show "Get Out And Stay Out". Brogan has one of those voices that send the tingles up my spine and you can feel that anger directed to Judy's ex husband, Dick.

Dick Bernly, who had run off with his young secretary, Mindi "with an I", is played by Thomas Judt.

Charlotte Drewett-Holden turns in a brilliant comedy performance as Hart's love smitten secretary, Roz Keith. And what a transformation in her big song "Heart To Hart". I've worked in an office before and there is a Roz in every office in every city in every country, but probably not as much fun as this Roz, who absolutely adores everything about Hart. Watch out for another twist though at the end!

Playing the sexist, egotistical, hypocritical, lying bigot of a boss, Hart is a brave man indeed, Craig Arme. Craig makes me smile; whatever role he plays, he never fails to put a smile on my face, and this role gives you a lot to smile about. I love the way the audience, probably many that may not have seen this musical before, reacted to some of the comments that hart comes out with, and I also heard a couple of "boos" at the final bows, which obviously shows that Craig has done his job well with Hart. Hart brings a lot of comedy to the musical and reflects the opinions and standards of the late 70's where women are concerned. 

The other main male role is Joe, who has a bit of a crush on the older Violet. Played by Joseph Straw he helps in the downfall of Hart, as his boss has just as low opinion of the office junior as he does of his female staff. There is a gorgeous duet that Joe sings with Violet called "Let Love Grow" and in this production the romantic scene by the photocopier is affixed by a lovely romantic choreographed piece with two dancers. That didn't work for me as I was either focused on watching the choreography and switching to watch Joseph and Sara singing and then back again, meaning I couldn't 100% concentrate on one or the other. A lovely duet and a beautifully choreographed and performed piece, but for me not together.

Carrie-Anne Corner (Kathy - loved the wig), Claire Farrand-Preston (Margaret - the office lush), David Artiss (Bob Enright), William Howarth (Tinsworthy - the Big Boss at Consolidated who appears at the end to "congratulate" Hart on his recent office success and to promote him), John Hand (Dwayne - Doralee's husband), Jodie Lakin (Missy), El Brown (Maria), Marie Nelson (Detective), Bobby Hughes (Doctor), Jaye Bonser (Candy Striper) and Elsa Kitching (New Employee). 

The ensemble for the show consist of Ruth Maddison, Christine Walton, Naomi Batley, Andy Bulmer, Jane Cottee and Evie Evans.

Principal dancers are Arden-Caspar Jennison, Thomas Judt, Jodie Lakin, Abi Stott-Marshall, Robert Stott-Marshall, Cibele Ponces Alvaranga, Alice Cammell, Eleanor Carty, Maisie Cutts and Sarah Dunbavand. The Dance Captains are Abi and Alice.

Directed by Beth Yearsley, who also designed the set, and the successes just keep on coming with this show. I can't believe how quick this show went this evening, whether it's the pace of the production or the fact that I know this musical so well, or maybe a mix of both. Either way this show is such fun and has such energy and a massive hit with the audience. I must also say that I really enjoyed the small section involving Craig Arme at the end of Act One as the house lights were put on. I can't remember seeing the end of the first act done in that way in other productions.

Choreographed by Fiona Cook, the ensemble pieces are great fun and really well timed, just take a look at the opening "9 To 5" piece. The three "dream sequences" - "Dance Of Death", "Cowgirl's Revenge" and "Potion Notion" are equally as much fun and it's these three scenarios that involve several quick costume changes for the dancers. And then there's that very tender contemporary piece to "Let Love Grow".

Musical Director is Adam Wright who headed up the eleven piece band which sounded wonderful, providing a real Country style feel to the score.

Costumes by Mina Holtom - the Costume Queen - with assistance from Charlotte Drewett-Holden and Emily Owen. Now normally I wouldn't dare to say anything about the costume choices but, being a massive Dolly Parton fan from the seventies onwards, I know that pink (a various shades of pink) is Dolly's signature shade, so was quite surprised to see Doralee dressed in dark purple/blue. That changed though in the second act when we saw Doralee in pinks. 

Sound is by Dave Dallard and Jack Clark. I know that I listen out for missed cues etc and while I only spotted a couple of very small ones, I must say that the sound production just lately at the Duchess is getting really good, especially in the mix between the band and the on-stage vocals. That new piece of sound mix equipment is paying dividends, especially in the hands of Dave and Jack.

Lighting is by Dave Martin and Rachel Elphick and was everything that I'd expect from Dave and Rachel. The Sound and Light Production duos are really adding that extra layer of professionalism and sheen over productions of late.

Production Manager is Katie Bird and Naomi Batley is the show's Production Assistant.

Katie is also the Stage Manager. The Backstage Crew are made up of a group of people who know everything about what goes on, on stage, so really know what is needed for a successful stage crew; Paolo Elias, Jake Gelernter, Adam Guest and Mina Holtom.

The Rostrum Hire for the stage is by A Stage For Hire and the set was constructed by Damon Pipes.

If you're looking for a fun, fluffy and fantastical musical, then this is just up your street.

"9 To 5 The Musical" is at Duchess Theatre in Long Eaton until Saturday 1 November.

BMTG are raising funds throughout this production for The Adam Barry Foundation, a local charity set up by Beverley and Peter Barry in the name of Adam, their young son who lost his life at the age of 15. Their aim is to raise funds to help those who have endured loss and bereavement and to help support within musical education and other events.

Funds raised will also support The Adam Barry Music Fund at Adam's old school, Freisland School in Sandiacre and Treetops Bereavement Counselling Services.