9To5 - The Musical debuted in 2008, and is based on the 1980 film of the same name. Featuring a score by musical icon, Dolly Parton this show is fun packed, beautifully choreographed and a dream to watch.
The show received 15 Drama Desk Award nominations - the most received by a production in a single year - as well as four Tony nominations. A national tour of the US launched in 2010, followed by a UK premiere - and subsequent tour - in 2012 and the show made its critically acclaimed West End debut in February 2019.
9To 5 isn’t Chekhov, nor does it profess to be. This is two hours of feel good, loud and proud fun which tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy – three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap him and turn the tables, we find out whether the ladies manage to reform their office, or if events unravel when the Chairman of the Board pays an unexpected visit?
9To5 screams 'Dolly' from the opening number and brings flamboyance, glitz, glamour and a true taste of the US to the UK.
BMOS are the company behind the production and, whilst it's fair to say that the set was a tad more basic than the professional versions that came before it, they made up for that in heart and commitment. 9To5 is the perfect balance of sassy female attitude and laugh out loud humour, and is a joy to watch from the get-go.
Michelle Worthington takes on the role of Violet, with a measured and confident performance. Her vocals are on point and her stamina - as someone on stage almost solidly throughout the show - is phenomenal! Alongside her, Jo Smith is sensational as Doralee Rhodes - the part made famous by Parton in the original film. Her vocals are outstanding and her tenacity clear for all to see. Smith oozes confidence and brings impeccable comic timing to the part, which is well received by the crowd.
However, the stand-out performance of the night for me was Rachel Richards and her phenomenal interpretation of Judy. With outstanding comic timing and an equally outstanding voice, her take on 'Get Out And Stay Out' raised the roof off of the theatre - and rightly so.
However the very best parts of the show were when all three of our leading ladies came together. Playing off each other with a chemistry that was palpable, it felt like they had been in sync for decades rather than months.
This musical is heartwarming, funny and brilliant in so many ways - an absolute must-see whilst it's in town.
9To5 - The Musical plays at The Alexandra until Saturday 17th June. For more information, or to get tickets, head online to atgtickets.com/birmingham.
