9 to 5 - the Musical

This year’s Senior and Middle School production, 9 to 5 – the Musical, played to full houses on Friday and Saturday 17-18 March following exclusive performances to senior pupils on Wednesday and Thursday 15-16 March. 

Based on the 20th Century Fox film of the 1980s, the show was originally performed on Broadway in 1999. Nearly 25 years later, the modern audience of parents, pupils and guests much enjoyed what was billed as an “hilarious story of friendship, revenge and is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic!” 

Set in the 1970s, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and inspired by Patricia Resnick's book, the production was always going to be jubilant, witty and over the top, and the audiences certainly weren’t disappointed.  

When the three main female characters, Violet (Ana D), Doralee (Annika H) and Judy (Sophie W) can take no more of their arrogant, deceitful boss, they make plans to deal with him. When their boss, Franklin Hart (Friday - Alexander D; Saturday – Neel D), is 'otherwise occupied' (utilising some ingenious stage management!), they give their workplace a makeover and take control of the company that had undervalued them for so long. 

There were a number of superb individual performances in solos and other pieces across each act of the production. Each of the three leads wowed audiences with their vocal abilities and capacity to transmit genuine emotion and character. Joe (Charlie G) and Violet's blossoming romance was stunningly captured by the highly emotive number "Let Love Grow" towards the end of Act II - a particular highlight for many in the audience. Other memorable characters such as Roz (Sofia H), Dwayne (Tadgh I) and Margaret (Maddie L) provided unforgettable moments each evening to an appreciative and highly entertained audience. 

The period was cleverly evoked with retro-lighting, a bespoke "9 To 5" lit clock and engaging 1970s staging by the hugely talented technical team and backstage crew. Directed by Lucy Richards, with Jonathan Ling as Musical Director, the high energy score and engaging cast offered the audience humour, wit and insight into the workplace of the era. The production was thoroughly enjoyed by all.