9 to 5 hits the stage at the New Theatre Oxford

With a tumble outta’ bed and a stumble to the New Theatre Oxford, an energetic audience packed in to see the musical comedy show from the Queen of Country herself.

The show comes direct from the West End and features a book by the iconic movie’s original screenwriter Patricia Resnick and an Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by Parton.

READ MORE: Bat Out Of Hell: New Theatre Oxford review

The musical is inspired by the iconic 80’s film which also starred Parton, alongside Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin.

9 to 5 The Musical tells the story of three women ‘pushed to boiling point’ by their sexist and egotistical boss. They concoct a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the ladies manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?

The show’s cast was headed up by Claire Sweeny, who stars as Violet Newstead, while the roles of Judy Bernly and Doralee Rhodes were played by Vivian Panka and Stephanie respectively.

Claire Sweeny in 9 to 5 The Musical. Picture PAMELA RAITH

9 to 5 also starred Sean Needham as Franklin Hart Jr, Julia J. Nagle as Roz Keith and Russel Dickinson as Joe.

I must admit, I have never actually watched the film 9 to 5 and so went into the show completely unsure of what was waiting for me.

I thought the musical would have a First Wives Club vibe about it but I was completely off the mark with that.

The sets were bedazzled and vibrant, the choreography and performances were fun and energetic and the crowd was enthralled with the humour and music.

However, the story itself felt weak and limp against all of the elaborate pomp.

Billed as a revenge story against sexism and the patriarchy, the plot felt far too simplistic to be in any way meaningful. That, in itself, almost made the message of the show a complete joke.

With that being said, the show was peppered with crude jokes some of which landed, some of which did not, and so much of it felt forced.

The lewd slapstick hugely took away from the feminist messages of girl power and female empowerment and instead made for a mixed experience overall.

Of course, I come at this from the perspective of being a woman who has experienced sexism in her life and knows what it feels like.

The act of trying to balance an easily digestible musical alongside a complex, real life issue was a big ask for 9 to 5. A task which it did not meet as the two elements are exceptionally difficult to gel.

Sean Needham and Stephanie Chandos in 9 to 5 The Musical

The beginning of the show opened with the classic number, 9 to 5, where we see the three main characters starting their day and preparing for work. The opening sequence does an excellent job of introducing us to each of their stories and personas and a short space of time.

Unfortunately, that is where the character development ended and the characters, especially Mr Hart, felt like caricatures.

Despite this, cannot deny the show was fun few hours.

The performances were exciting with well put together music that the audience loved and sets that really fitted the aesthetic of the show.

I came away feeling I had an enjoyable time at the show but wished the music of Dolly Parton could have been juxtaposed with a more well-developed story and style.

Overall, the show does exactly what it says on the tin.

It is a fun, silly romp about getting back at your nightmare boss that can be easily enjoyed but can be just as easily forgotten about.

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