Musical is a Dolly good time

Buy photos » Natalie Casey, Jackie Clune, Amy Lennox and Ben Richards as Franklyn Hart and his 'girls'. (s)

9 To 5 The Musical, New Alexandra Theatre Birmingham

Tuesday, December 19

THE MUSICAL 9 To 5, based on the film of the same name, is a delight for all - from devoted Dolly Parton fans to those who just know the world-famous title song.

Right from the beginning, the production bursts on to the stage with plenty of sparkle, more than enough humour and a wealth of songs penned by the country superstar herself.

Dolly even made an appearance via video to introduce the characters, something which was integrated really well into the musical.

It would be hard to pick out a single fault with the evening, with everything from the staging and the costumes to the dancing and singing coming together for a top rate night of entertainment.

Of course, one of the key elements of the success of a musical is its cast and the 9 To 5 actors did not disappoint.

Bonnie Langford as Roz Keith had the audience in stitches every time she appeared on stage and Jackie Clune, Natalie Casey and Amy Lennox made a formidable trio as Violet, Judy and Doralee while Ben Richards as Franklyn Hart was the boss everyone loved to hate.

The musical stayed very true to the film and this was especially true in Amy Lennox's portrayal of Doralee, the role made famous by Dolly. Many of the hilarious lines in the movie - such as Doralee threatening to turn Franklyn from a rooster to a hen - were kept in the production which made it even better for fans of the 1980 release.

Going to see 9 To 5 was truly an evening where the crowd did not want the curtain to come down. But the magic carried on a little longer as everyone left the theatre singing 'Tumble outta bed and stumble to the kitchen...'

Harriet Ernstsons

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