If you’re a huge Dolly Parton fan then this is the play for you! Sadly Dolly couldn’t be there in person but, thanks to the wonders of modern technology, she was present via a video projection where she introduced us to the shows cast as well as her classic song 9 to 5 from which the show gets its title.
Just like the film, the play was set in 1979, Doralee Rhodes was played by Amy Lennox who resembled a very young Dolly, avid fans of ITV cop show The Bill will have instantly recognised Ben Richards as the boss everyone hated, Franklin J Hart, while Natalie Casey (Hollyoaks, Two Pints of Lager) was just fantastic as Judy Bernly displaying a truly sensational singing voice. Jackie Clune played Violet Newstead and having watched the film previously you would have thought it was Lily Tomlin on stage! 80’s legend Bonnie Langford was unrecognisable in her role as Roz Keith who’s infatuated with Franklin J Hart, you could see that the cast just enjoyed every second on the stage & performing, the romantic dance between Roz and Franklin, in particular, had the audience in stiches thanks to Roz’s moves.
Everyone in the audience was toe tapping and clapping along throughout and as the cast performed their last song everyone in the theatre, myself included, rose to their feet in a well-deserved standing – or maybe more appropriately dancing – ovation.
Review by Geri Patterson
