9-5 The Musical At Theatre Royal, Plymouth Review

Reviewed by Linda Curtain

Not knowing anything about ‘9-5 The Musical ‘ that has arrived at the Theatre Royal Plymouth this week, I was unsure what to expect but wow! what a production. With lyrics and music by Dolly Parton herself this has to be one of the liveliest and most energetic shows I have seen in a long time. From the opening scenes to the fantastic finale the energy kept flowing.

Arriving at the Theatre Royal Plymouth last evening it was lovely to see the theatre amid the beauty of the Christmas lights on Royal Parade. The theatre itself was looking festive and there was a great atmosphere as everyone was happy to be able to return to the theatre after such a difficult year. It was great to see the coffee shop and bars open once again and as usual there was a great welcome from the theatre staff.

Once settled into our seats, I was immediately impressed by the stage setting. A huge, dazzling working clock took centre stage and this started the countdown to the office staff’s working day.

When the music began we were greeted by Dolly Parton herself projected onto the clock face and with the use of video she talked to the audience and explained the storyline – so real you felt she was actually on stage! A very clever piece of staging which was used at times throughout the show.

The story basically deals with what office work was like for females in the 80’s with inequality commonplace. Women worked for less pay with little hope of promotion. Tired of being overlooked, disrespected and harassed by their overbearing boss, three of the office workers decide to take a stand and fight to improve the workplace for female staff.

Violet Newstead – one of the long standing secretaries and a natural leader – was played by Louise Redknapp. She was strong in both her acting ability and vocally. It was great to see her in this role as she is leaving the production after this week in Plymouth. She’s sure to be missed by the company. Her quest for improvements was supported by Judy Bernly – played by Vivian Panka and Doralee Rhodes – played by Stephanie Chandos. Both of them very strong individual characters with great singing voices. Vivians rendition of ‘get out and stay out’ was outstanding. Sean Needham was brilliant as the lecherous boss Franklin Hart Jnr being dismissive and disrespectful of all the female staff. His comedy scene when he eventually got his comeuppance at the hands of the females was hilarious.

A great supporting cast added depth to this production. The choreography by Lisa Stevens was slick with such high energy levels. Stage props were effortlessly moved and became part of the choreography. Although the main song 9-5 was the only recognisable song, the musical score was great and put over well by such strong singers.
With the use again of the projection onto the clock face, Dolly sang 9-5 at the end of the show with the cast making such a memorable finale to a great production.

A really dynamic, enjoyable show portraying girl power and how woman’s rights have changed to the equality we all know now.

Rating: A well deserved 5 star rating.
Ticket available for the box office at Theatre Royal Plymouth or online at theatreroyal.com.
Prices from £28. The show is on until 4th December 2021.