THEATRE REVIEW: 9 To 5 - The Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield

Clocking on at Sheffield’s Lyceum Theatre (until 12th February), fresh from the West End is the screen-to-stage adaptation of the 1980 movie of the same name, (starring the iconic Dolly Parton, who also wrote the music and lyrics and makes video appearances throughout the evening; Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin), and whilst it’s been some 40+ years since the movie's release, sadly several of the struggles the feisty trio battled with in the workplace in a time where big hair was all the rage and shoulder pads and power dressing were an essential part of the 9 to 5 work day, are still relevant today.

It’s been a long long time since a show has absolutely wowed me - I’ve tried so hard to rekindle my love of theatre, particularly musical theatre which is always my preferred choice of shows to go see, since the ease of lockdown but every performance I’ve seen since then has failed to relight that flame.  Lockdown closing my beloved theatres for so long had me trying to fill a large hole in my life and I ended up discovering a new interest, passion and talent - almost to the point where I was considering closing the door on my love of all things Theatre. Whilst I have never been a fan of the original movie, nor the Queen of Country music herself Ms Dolly Parton, I pushed all of this aside and went with an open mind, determined to give Theatre one last chance to keep a place in my life. I think another thing that’s also dampened my passion since returning to my local theatres post lockdown is the decision not to have a production programme on sale. Having collected one from every professional production I’ve ever seen in my 30+ years of going to theatres, I’ve a huge collection and I find looking through them often triggers the memories (and is a massive help when writing a review!) - so the first sign that all was not lost with my love of theatre was when these were available again AND tour merchandise (another huge love of mine!) - because nothing makes a visit to the theatre more magical than treating yourself to a production T-shirt, mug or hoodie (or all three!) - finally Theatre is getting its spark back again!

The stage set even before the curtain call also was a good sign I was in for a real treat - from the large bulky white computer screens (pre flat screen monitors - ones that if they were dropped when moving desks were heavy enough to break your foot and keyboard equally big, bulky, ugly and heavy), were set in a huge upside down U shape framing the stage throughout the show, and of course that ginormous “9 to 5” gold glittery sign hanging above the stage with the clock being a clever video screen hooking us up “live” with Dolly Parton herself. The bulky computer monitors were also cleverly incorporated into the lighting design throughout the show (Tom Murton - Head of Lighting and Video). The costumes were a stylish nod to 1980's power dressing - from the monochrome right through to bold neon colours and funky bold patterns.

The story is lead by a fearless trio of bold, determined women - fighting for their rights to equal pay and tackling sexism in the workplace. There’s Violet Newstead (Claire Sweeney), a single mother of a teenage son, working hard to not only be the sole provider but striving for a promotion after years with the company working her backside off; new girl Judy Bernly (Vivian Panka) who may or may not have fabricated her resume having never worked before (“her husband Dick left her for his secretary”); and Doralee Rhodes (Stephanie Chandos) who at first is excluded from staff lunch dates and misunderstood as a “Backwoods Barbie” - a pretty face, big blonde hair and big boobs (although the others soon learn that the office rumours were simply just that - all made up by their sleazy sexist boss Franklin Hart Jr. (Sean Needham) - to the point where the trio (Violet, Judy and Doralee) all take an extended lunch break where they share their fantasies about getting revenge on Hart.

It’s so refreshing to have a musical with a predominantly female leading cast and each member brings something truly magical to this production.

Firstly, making her U.K. debut we have the sensational Vivian Panka as new girl Judy - her solo performance of “Get Out And Stay Out” towards the end of Act 2 blew the socks off the audience and rightly earned her a deafening applause and cheering from the entire audience. Had it not been for the average age of tonight’s audience and a large number of wheelchair users (myself included) she would most definitely have earned a standing ovation (some of those able to do so did - and Panka if you were by chance to ever see this I hope you know that in my head I was standing and cheering you on). Her transformation from shy new girl to bold, brave Judy standing up for what’s right and joining forces with her colleagues showed what an absolute asset Panka would be to U.K. Theatre - just hope we get to keep her in U.K. theatre for the long run.

Stephanie Chandos was made to play the role made famous by Dolly P herself in the original movie.  She was Dolly/Doralee to a T!  Her performance of “Backwoods Barbie” alone is worth a single release. I am sure Dolly would agree that there’s no better actress who could play this role (other than Dolly herself of course!)

Now let’s talk about Claire Sweeney as Violet Newstead. I’ll hold my hand up and say I’ve never classed myself as a fan - this has nothing to do with her talents as she’s a triple threat (sing, dance and act) actress with a huge successful career under her belt), it’s more a case of not being interested in roles she’s previously been in, but again I went with an open mind and after five minutes on stage it was so hard not to be utterly smitten. Every single second of her performance from start to finish of the show is totally mesmerising; is there nothing this woman cannot do?! Now I have the urge to see more of her humongous talent. Tonight was a game-changer and I’ll bite my tongue whilst saying I totally underestimated her phenomenal talent.

I can’t finish off without mentioning the laugh-out-loud performance of “Heart To Hart” by Julia J Nagle as the slightly older, eccentric and somewhat sex-craving Roz who has an unrequited love interest in Hart. Gosh, her performance alone had the audience crying with fits of laughter, and Needham's performance as sexist Boss Hart had every female audience members' hearts racing wildly especially when he was (literally) left hanging, leaving us all hanging on for more raunchy laughter and eye candy. At one point I thought the coach trip load of older ladies would go into cardiac arrest when we were treated to plenty of Hart in a revealing costume - their raunchy laughter along with our own hot flushes at the sight of THAT costume made for one hell of a memorable night!

The catchy toe-tapping tunes, flawless female leading roles along with fast-paced slick choreography all add up to the perfect recipe for a cup of ambition. A powerful and uplifting production that will leave you toe-tapping long into the summer months. The best piece of musical theatre I’ve seen in years. Encore!

Reviewer - Lottie Davis-Browne
on - 8.2.22