Theatre Review: ‘9 To 5 – The Musical’ (Tour)

Theatre is back with bang as I had the treat of going to the opening night of the new Dolly Parton musical, 9 To 5 as it embarks on its new tour.  The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton was packed to the rafters as the audience crowded into their seats to see the first performance of this 80’s musical. This was a Dolly Parton special as she wrote the music and lyrics for the production and and starred in the original film. Big hair and power dressing of the 1980’s is back in business.

The story outline is one that is unfortunately still familiar in today’s world as three women battle for the respect and rights in the workplace that should be a routine occurrence and not a privilege.  Doralee Rhodes was played by Stephanie Chandos and was an impressive tribute to Dolly Parton and has the voice and the ability to strut and pose with authenticity as a Backwoods Barbie who is misjudged by the other women in the office and lusted after by her boss.  Louise Redknapp’s singing prowess came to the fore as Violet Newstand who had trained up the man who got promoted ahead of her. Judy Bernly (Vivian Panka) is a timid new divorcee who has been plunged into the world of work for the first time and looks more appropriate for a lady who lunches.

These three women are all very different characters who would not usually meet but are thrust together because they all work and deal with the casual everyday sexism dished out by their boss Franklin Hart. Sean Needham is excellent and plays this role brilliantly with a lot of humour and crude mannerisms that is there to entertain and highlight the sexism of the 1980’s. He is served well by his PA Roz Keith (Julia J. Nagle) who appears so prim and proper (hair up and glasses on) and full of unrequited passion for her man’s man of a boss.

Everyday casual sexism should not be an issue that any women encounter in her daily life in today’s age, but as we know too well from the recent MeToo campaigns this musical does highlight that unfortunately time has not changed as quickly as hoped.

The background scenery is impressive with the stage being lined by old computer monitors, with the backdrop showing the ever-changing skyline of a city. The scene changes are slick and simple as the story moves from the homes to work and bosses’ office. The costumes are a stylish throwback to the ’80s as the suits move from monochrome to bright neons, and even power dressing comes into play.  This show has several surprises in store and is a highly polished, foot-tapping, entertaining evening from start to finish.

The skill and talent of the actors are very impressive and emotive, this is a fantastic treat of a show and one that is unmissable.

9 To 5 The Musical was reviewed at the Mayflower Theatre, Southampton where it plays until 4th September before embarking on a tour of the UK until March 2022.