REVIEW: 9 to 5, The Musical at Dinnington's Lyric Theatre

RACY, rambunctious and risqué — and that’s just the opening number! Dinnington Operatic Society’s latest show is a rip-roaring musical full of saucy humour with just a sprinkling of yee-haw, writes critic David Parker
Sophie Keady as Doralee Rhodes, Samantha Smedley as Violet Newstead, Kris Denman as Franklin Hart and Hannah Oliver as Judy Bernly. Pic by Andrew Saunders.Sophie Keady as Doralee Rhodes, Samantha Smedley as Violet Newstead, Kris Denman as Franklin Hart and Hannah Oliver as Judy Bernly. Pic by Andrew Saunders.
Sophie Keady as Doralee Rhodes, Samantha Smedley as Violet Newstead, Kris Denman as Franklin Hart and Hannah Oliver as Judy Bernly. Pic by Andrew Saunders.

RACY, rambunctious and risqué — and that’s just the opening number! Dinnington Operatic Society’s latest show is a rip-roaring musical full of saucy humour with just a sprinkling of yee-haw.

9 to 5, The Musical tells the tale of three downtrodden office women — Violet Newstead (Samantha Smedley), Judy Bernly (Hannah Oliver) and Doralee Rhodes (Sophie Keady) who work for the sexist and pompous Franklin Hart (Kris Denman) and launch a plot to overthrow him.

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Originally launched in 2008, the musical is based on the 1980 film of the same name, with music and lyrics by legendary country singer Dolly Parton.

Oliver, performing in her first musical role, is impressive as recently-divorced office newbie Judy and captures her wide-eyed innocence well.

Smedley, as no-nonsense rebellion ring-leader Violet, is an accomplished performer with a strong voice, while Keady, as buxom blonde bombshell Doralee, shows that behind her character’s “country gal” exterior there is a determined independent woman.

All three are united by a hatred of the sexist Mr Hart, who overlooks Violet for a promotion and spreads false rumours of an affair with Doralee, and cook up a plan to kidnap him and transform Consolidated Industries for the better.

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Denman is spot-on in role of the snivelling Mr Hart, who seems to spend most of his time lusting after Doralee and trying to escape the advances of his assistant, Roz Keith, who is portrayed hilariously by the brilliant Louise Selden.

A particular highlight from Selden is her performance of Heart to Hart, a comical number in which, stripped down to sexy underwear, she proclaims her undying love for Mr Hart, accompanied by an ensemble of performers who look just like her.

And the three “fantasies” dreamt up by Violet, Judy and Dorelee — ways in which they could get their revenge on Mr Hart — were choreographed superbly by Fiona Mikulik, who usually performs in these shows.

9 to 5 is a fun night out which has been put together excellently by the team at DOS. 

Catch it until tomorrow at Dinnington's Lyric Theatre.

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