Theatre Review: 9 to 5 (2021 UK Tour)

(AD: Event Invite*) It only seems like five minutes since I was watching this show back in September 2019, in a whirlwind three days which also included a wedding, a storm, a cancelled ferry and an unexpected day in Athens. And two years later, 9 to 5 The Musical has tumbled and stumbled its way back to Birmingham’s Alex Theatre. With a slightly clearer diary, Mr Fletche and I headed to Press Night for a bit of sass and sparkle.

Last night also saw the launch of ATG Tickets Local Heroes Initiative, offering 25% off theatre tickets at selected shows for NHS staff, teachers, social care workers, prison officers, armed forces and “blue light” professionals. You can find out more here.

Tumble out of bed and stumble to the…Alex Theatre

You just can’t escape the Queen of Country when it comes to 9 to 5. A perky Dolly is beamed across the theatre at the beginning, end and in the middle of of this production. Doralee Rhodes is Dolly in all but name. The original book, screenplay and stage adaptation may be by Patricia Resnick but the music and lyrics are pure Parton.

We’re transported back 40 years to early 80s America. Men dominate the boardrooms. Women type, file and make the tea. Office bullying, inequality and sexual harassment are rife. Hang on, things haven’t changed that much have they?  But thankfully 9 to 5 gives us a trio of females prepared to kick the patriarchy up the arse in a prescient display of Girl Power.

For those unaware of the plot, three workmates plot to take revenge on their misogynistic boss Franklin Hart. They kidnap him, truss him up in his own bondage gear and take the business into their own hands. Okay, it’s all a bit bonkers but let’s just go with it. It focuses largely on the “women are great, men are shit” angle. It’s all about empowerment and revenge. How great it would be if women ruled the world. Men are either philanderers, bullies, misogynists or whiners.

And as much as it tries to be a feminist piece the show still falls back on old stereotypes. After all, the protagonists of the piece, a triumvirate of grown women, are frequently referred to as “the girls”. Leering at a shapely behind in a tight skirt still gets an uncomfortable laugh. Uptight Roz turns out to be a corseted vixen. Curvaceous Doralee wants men to see the real person beyond the boobs and big hair. Even Joe – the only sympathetic male character – is overly persistent in his romantic advances and constantly claims to know what’s best for Violet. In the words of another country and western diva: “Sometimes it’s hard to be a woman“.

Don’t judge me by the cover, cause I’m a real good book

But despite all this, there’s a lot to like about this madcap comedy. There’s a vibrant and colourful set design by Tom Rogers, with banks of computer monitors blinking into infinity and great use of video projection. The choreography by Lisa Stevens is slick and high energy.

Louise Redknapp anchors the production perfectly as senior office supervisor Violet, reaching breaking point as she gets constantly passed over for promotion in favour of men. Her version of One of the Boys is reminiscent of Roxie from Chicago. Vivian Panka makes her UK stage debut as naïve and likeable Judy, getting to grips with the 9 to 5 after her husband leaves her for his secretary. Her powerful rendition of Get Out and Stay Out is one of the highlights of the show.

Stephanie Chandos is witty and warm as Doralee, exuding both vulnerability and sensuality. She has Parton’s Southern drawl all sewn up, particularly on Backwoods Barbie. Julia J Nagle steals the show as uptight lovestruck office snitch Roz, who will stop at nothing to get her Heart to Hart. An honourable mention goes to Richard Taylor Woods, covering the role as Franklin Hart Jnr, who spends much of the show dangling from a harness in a gimp suit.

It’s enough to drive you crazy if you let it

Of course, the theme tune is iconic. Go on, tell me you haven’t already done the “dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum-dum” at least once when you saw the title of this review. None of the other songs are quite as memorable, although I enjoyed Around Here, Here for You and Judy’s big number Get Out and Stay Out.

The whole show has a “tipsy-at-the-office-party” feel about it. Any mention of Judy’s ex-husband – handily called Dick – is greeted with giggles from the audience. It’s as if  Parton and Resnick got off their faces on hairspray and rhinestones and decided to put together a smutty, stylish, fun female-led revenge fantasy. I’d have liked to have been a fly on the wall at that brainstorming session.

Watching 9 to 5…what a way to spend an evening

9 to 5 The Musical is playing at Birmingham’s Alexandra Theatre until Saturday 20th November. You can buy your tickets online here, or contact the Box Office on 0844 871 3011. The UK Tour continues until March 2022. For full dates and ticket purchases, check out the 9 to 5 The Musical Website

Claire Sweeney takes over the role of Violet from January 22nd

All Production Photos by Pamela Raith Photography