9-5 At The Sheffield Lyceum Review

Reviewed by Jenny Bray

Surely everyone can sing along to Dolly Parton’s song ‘9 to 5’ with a smile and a foot tap, even if you’re not a big fan?

If you’re reading this then you’re probably already aware that 9-5 is a musical with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton. The story is about three female workmates in the 80s who are fed up with their sexist and egotistical boss so plot how they can improve their work life and be valued more in the workplace, where the men are always in charge and are paid more for the same work. I wasn’t sure how current the story would be, having originally been written in the 70s for the 1980 film. Although created over 40 years ago, it’s a shame that some of the storyline around equality is still just as current and valid today although I’m glad that some aspects have moved on!

The show starts with Dolly doing the introduction on video. She joins back in a few times throughout the show too. I like how she had tailored it to the UK tour when mentioning some things and highlighting their UK comparison.

The show is based on the 1980 film of the same name, based on the book by Patricia Resnick. However, I hadn’t seen the film or read the book so didn’t know the full story. It was much funnier than I was expecting. It was also ruder and raunchier (all fitting with the plot)! You’re certainly left hanging when the story pauses for the interval…

Of the three main female characters, Claire Sweeney was Violet, a widowed mother who is desperate to be recognised and promoted in work. She brought comedy and cheer to her character. Stephanie Chandos was a great Doralee, complete with her short and petite stature. She’s an aspiring country singer working an office job while dreaming about the career she’d prefer, no guesses who she is modelled on. Vivian Panka’s voice, as Judy, stood out to me, especially during her solo, ‘Get out and stay out’. Credit to the writers for also managing to comedy reference M&Ms in to her script and that her husband who left her for a younger woman was called Dick, causing a few giggles in the context of whenever she mentioned him.

The stage setting centred around the office, although it moved to different areas including the main office, Mr Hart’s office and the kitchen area. On occasion it moved to the roof or to the Hart residence. Set changes were smooth and quick, with the ensemble getting involved.

All the costumes reflected the 80s styling, with several matching floral tops and skirts, monochrome and some bright, gaudy and interestingly patterned and shaped numbers. Some of the women’s hair were quite obviously wigs. I don’t know how they managed such vigorous dancing in the high stilettos that some of them were wearing (coming from someone who can’t even walk in heels!)

Acknowledgment for the boldest outfit has to go to Sean Needham as Franklin Hart Jr. He managed to pull the look off well and was very likeable for a crude, misogynistic, sexist pig! He had some amusing songs along with a funny and cheeky attitude with some very dated and sexist jokes thrown in to remind you of the era. He was a little reminiscent of a pantomime villain on occasion and certainly seemed to play well to the audience to get more laughs.

Julia J Nagle played a prim yet pie eyed Roz very well, who transforms when singing ‘Heart to Hart’ while fawning after Mr Hart.

The ensemble for this show is larger than for many shows and they were a great addition to many of the scenes, especially the bustling office ones and the song, ‘One of the boys’.

Although I’m not a huge fan of Dolly’s music, I do like some of her tracks and they are always uplifting. I am however a big fan of her values and her ‘imagination library’ book gifting programme which sends books out to millions of young children every year to encourage reading from a young age. She has sent out over 100 million books to children from birth to 5 across America, Canada, Australia and the UK since 1996. Aspects of this are mentioned in the programme but this is something that I was already aware that she did.

This show was on at the Lyceum in Sheffield, which is well signposted around the city centre with plenty of parking nearby. The local Q park at Charles Street has an agreement with the theatres to offer the first hour free if you get a ticket from a member of staff at the theatre. Bag checking and e-tickets are checked before entering the building. Masks are to be worn at all times, other than when eating or drinking. You are able to pre-order drinks from the bar for the interval.

There’s a fair splattering of swearing and sexual references throughout, meaning this show probably isn’t suitable for a younger audience. It’s a light hearted musical which managed comedy alongside several foot tapping songs with a touch of a country twang to them so you never forget who penned them.

The UK tour, as with others, took a pause at the start of the pandemic. It restarted in August 2021 and is currently set to run until 5th March 2022 (in Manchester), so there’s only the next few weeks left to get to see it during this tour. Make sure you’re ready to giggle, clap and foot tap along.

Rating: I rate it a 4/5

Tickets cost from £15 to £55
9-5 is on at the Sheffield Lyceum between 8th and 12th February 2022.
For more information or to book tickets visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk or call the Box Office on 0114 249 6000

Sheffield Theatres, 55 Norfolk Street, Sheffield, S1 1DA