9-5 – The Musical
Darlington Hippodrome – 4th August 2026
Review by Stephen Stokoe
Apart from the hit title-number by the doyenne of country music, Dolly Parton, what I knew about this musical could have been written on the bag of a postage stamp. That said, I do like to go into productions blind because it gives me a blank canvas, as it were, to write my review.
9-5 – The Musical is based on a Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton movie from way back in 1980 and concerns a group of office girls who turn the tables on their obnoxious, old fashioned, and mysoginistic boss.
As the lights fade and the familiar intro to one of Parton’s most famous hits begins, we hear her unmistakeable voice ring out advising the audience to behave in regards to their theatre etiquette. Personally, I feel that Ms Parton’s instructions should be used for every show and production because nobody is going to ignore Dolly! She then goes on to introduce the trio of protagonists. Violet (Jade Marvin) a put upon office manager with hopes of advancement within the company, Judy (Kayla Carter) the recently estranged wife of Dick who has blagged her way into an entry level position, and mild-mannered but strikingly attractive Doralee (Karla Tracey) the object of derision for the rest of the office staff and the object of desire for the CEO Franklin Hart Jr (Tim Rogers.)
The rest of the office employees and all the ensemble open the show in a toe-tapping, beautifully choreographed (Lisa Stevens) version of the title song. Despite the lyrics suggesting a hum-drum life of getting up, drinking coffee, going to work, and repeating it, this number sets a lively tone for the audience for a great night at the theatre – and that is exactly what we got.
I was very impressed by the 8-strong band and in particular James Corking on trumpet and flugel horn. The rich brass sounds effortlessly filling out the superb sound of the band led by musical director, Andrew Hilton. I also smiled in the second half when I noticed Keys 2 (and assistant MD) Gigi Kuo getting lost in the action and joining in with some of the actions happening beneath her on the stage. The sound these eight superb musicians produce combined with some excellent vocals from the cast make for a wonderful experience.
Director Paul Jepson brought some imaginative flair to the production too. I really liked the device of having the characters walking to imgainary lines suggesting the stuffiness of the rules and rigid floorplan within the office building. It was used to great effect by Tracey (in the Dolly Parton role from the film) but also by the other characters (Margaret – the office lush (Ceris Hines) was particularly amusing) who all stuck to the rules of the office impeccably.
The set (Amanda Stoodley) was practical and cleverly transformed from office, to living room with minimal fuss. The raised area upstage was also used effectively as a separate location from the main action.
This musical is all about the girls and there is one main character I have yet to mention, the CEO’s personal assistant, Roz (Jessica Martin) who has romantic designs on her boss. Martin is superb throughout and really comes into her own with a song and dance number revealing her intentions deep into act one.
The men in the musical are feckless, foul, or frumpy but an honourable mention goes to Joe (Benjamin Karran) who might be as wet as Spanish moss hanging heavy off a cypress tree after a heavy summer rain but really gets the audience onside as he blunders his way into the affections of Violet.
This is a feel-good fest of good natured fun. It has the spirit of Dolly running throughout it (hardly surprising given that she wrote it) and some top notch singing and performances from all the cast and musicians and you can’t help but leave the theatre with a big smile on your face.
If this production don’t have yer feet tappin’ and you hollerin’ and hummin’ then you’re colder than a winter ‘gator!