9 to 5 The Musical Edinburgh Playhouse Review
9 to 5: The Musical
Edinburgh Playhouse, Edinburgh
4-8 June 2013
Reviewed by Louise Howard
Needing a break from your “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” of a boss? Wanting to exact some girl-powered revenge? Or simply in the mood for a good night out? Either way, 9 to 5: The Musical sounds like it might be your cup of tea!
Based on the iconic 1980 film version starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda et al., 9 to 5: The Musical really lives up to its predecessor. A stellar cast including Ben Richards, Jackie Clune, Natalie Casey and Amy Lennox lead the way in a truly enjoyable performance. A comic and good-natured tale set in 1980 corporate America, the story is about three used and abused working women; Violet, Doralee and Judy, who get their own back on their arrogant, self-centred boss, Franklyn J Hart. The show uses all the original 1980s trapping of the movie, but rather than feeling dated, it gives the whole production a sense of identity and structure, as well as treating the audience to a bit of post-80s humour and nostalgia. The set design was very effective, enforcing the sense of corporate America as it was in 1980, especially in Hart’s personal office, adding to your (unfavourable) impressions of the character as a self-centred bully. And fans of Miss Parton get a special treat with Dolly herself taking part via recorded messages and leading the final sing-along, the use of which was very effective and gave an outer structure to the story-telling.
The three female leads were superb, not just vocally, but with their comic timings. It was pleasantly surprising seeing Natalie Casey (who most would know from Two Pints of Larger and a Packet of Crisps) showcase her musical talent to great effect as newly divorced and liberated Judy. Jackie Clune was perfect as the matriarchal Violet, who is clearly far more competent and efficient a boss than Hart. Ben Richards played said Hart with great aplomb – not easy considering he’s the subject of many of the women’s vengeful daydreaming, including him prancing around in bright pink hot pants, socks and suspenders! Being able to switch between egotistical and slightly tyrannical boss and wishful object of abuse took not only skill but a great deal of courage! However, the real star of the show for me was Amy Lennox as flighty Doralee Rhodes, the character epitomised by Dolly Parton in the film. Not only was she an incredible singer (as showcased in her impressive rendition of Backwoods Barbie) she also was able to embrace the spirit of Dolly Parton and her portrayal of Doralee, without becoming a copy-cat, karaoke style version of the character.
A truly enjoyable evening out, I would definitely recommend 9 to 5: The Musical to anyone who can get their hands on a ticket. Edinburgh Playhouse, as always was a joy to visit, with friendly, helpful staff and good facilities throughout the theatre with chances to buy souvenirs and refreshments throughout the theatre. Although I would be inclined to think of this as more of an adult musical, I’m sure teenage girls would love the songs and the female empowerment running through the story, proving that girl-power was around long before the Spice Girls! Definitely a feel-good musical if ever there was one (unless you’re that “sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot” of a boss of course!!!)
Rating: 5/5 
9 to 5 The Musical is currently on tour, for more information or to book tickets visit www.9to5themusical.co.uk
