Reviewed by Sharon Mongey
It was a pleasure, as always, to attend Milton Keynes Theatre. I found a parking space easily opposite the theatre, free to park after 6pm and only a short walk from the theatre. There are lots of places to eat and drink if you wanted extend your trip out; we were just attending the show so headed straight into the venue. I love the spacious vast foyer that greets you at Milton Keynes. Which tonight appeared even larger as the Piano Bar is no more (still the gentleman playing the piano, which I love) this is no been replaced with the Garden Room, only opened today. As said seems to of created more space in the foyer, but at present the bar seemed a bit sparse, having just opened I assume there is more to come, or maybe it was just as it had been planned, quite minimalistic. I always find the staff at Milton Keynes to have a friendly demeanour and were very pleasant as always. There was a great atmosphere upon arrival, no Dolly Parton look-a-likes but a great buzz!
My daughter and I are Dolly fans and we were really looking forward and somewhat excited to see Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical. Originally a film (a hit movie) the story tells of three female office workers, set in the 80’s who are pushed to their limits by their sexist, egotistical and lying boss.
I was sorry to hear that Louise Redknapp was not performing the role of Violet Newstead tonight as she had media commitments, but her boots were filled with ease by Laura Tyrer.
Violet, a single mother, is a supervisor in an office, working alongside Doralee Rhodes, the boss’s personal assistant played by Georgina Castle and newly employed Judy Bernly played by Amber Davies, (incidentally this just happens to be Judy’s first time working in an office, not having a clue what to do and really missing her ‘Dick’, her estranged husband that is!)
The woman are overseen by their boss Franklin Hart Jnr, played by Brian Conley who lives and works in ‘a man’s world’ and drives Viola and the others to despair. That said Hart has one admirer, Roz Keith played by Lucinda Lawrence, whose lust is very clear to see, an absolutely fantastic performance by her and along with the seedy and comical performances throughout from Brian Conley I can see why the show is rated a 12+.
Treated unfairly by Hart the women have had enough and are not taking it anymore! They hatch a plan to kidnap Hart and plan to take over the office, I don’t want to give the game away about the kidnap, and how they keep Hart out of the office while they take over, you’ll have to go and see the show and find that out for yourself, trust me it’s worth it.
My almost 17 year old and I loved this show, it was at times hilarious, the entire cast were brilliant tonight, with amazing vocal performances and musical score to match. The stage setting, the lighting and the orchestra were sublime. I cannot find fault with this show.
It would be an injustice to not single out Amber Davies, her solo performance of Get Out and Stay Out blew us and the audience away.
You don’t need to be a Dolly fan to go and see this musical, if you want a good fun night out, where you’ll find yourself tapping your toes and laughing your way through then head on down to Milton Keynes, showing until the 28th September, catch it if you can.
A definite 5 stars.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £13 (plus £3.65 transaction fee).
9 to 5 The Musical is at Milton Keynes Theatre from 24-28 September 2019, for more information or to book tickets visit www.atgtickets.com/miltonkeynes or call the box office on 0844 8717652.
Milton Keynes Theatre, 500 Marlborough Gate, Milton Keynes, Bucks, MK9 3NZ
