9 to 5: The Musical, Savoy Theatre - ★★★★★ - Until May, 2020


Dolly Parton has always been about insight and intelligence packaged in a way we do not expect. Her persona and her reality challenge our stereotypes and this evening in the theatre does the same. In 9 to 5: The Musical we have all the fun and frolics of your big Broadway musical but some very serious political and social observations are being made. Jane Fonda who originally conceived this work and writer, Patricia Resnick, knew that a spoonful of sugar helped the medicine go down. Even as the injustice of women's treatment in the workplace and some serious feminist issues are explored in 9 to 5, it is upbeat and always keeps the audience engaged. Dolly's music and lyrics are quite unforgettable and Lisa Stevens' choreography is perfect. Caroline Sheen, Natalie McQueen and Chelsea Halfpenny are all terrific in the roles created for Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin and Dolly Parton. They all manage to layer characters whom they have a limited time to develop. Bonnie Langford as Roz brings down the house in her show stopper number Heart to Hart, and Brian Conley is amazingly dislikable as the villain of the piece. He got the audience involved to the point I expected to hear booing and hissing on a couple of occasions! This is a musical farce which takes an energetic and comedic aim at sexism, hypocrisy and injustice. While being a thoroughly enjoyable piece of theatre, it determinedly reminds us that the dark realities of #MeToo are still here. Thoughtful theatre in a very attractive and engaging package!

 Reviewed by J.C.

  Our Score:  ☆☆☆☆☆ 

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 WHEN, WHERE, GETTING THERE:
Until May, 2020
Mon - Sat: 7:30 pm, Wed & Sat: 2:30 pm
Savoy Theatre
Nearest station: Charing Cross
https://www.thesavoytheatre.com/ninetofive
Map & Location: Savoy Ct, London WC2R 0ET, UK

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