Ever become tired of the same work routine, the office grind, well I think I've just found the perfect remedy for those working grumbles, in the form of the light hearted office based '9 to 5 The Musical' currently at Stockport Plaza.
The production is brought to us by the incredibly talented Romiley Operatic Society whose previous productions include 'Hairspray' and last year's 'Return to the Forbidden Planet' based loosely on Shakespeare's The Tempest which received rave reviews so I decided to come and see Romiley Operatic's latest production to see what all the fuss is about, and now I'm just about ready to see every productions they ever stage.
9 to 5 - The Musical is based on the hit movie of the same name which was released nearly 37 years ago now, the musical at the Plaza has updated the story and script somewhat and with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton; you keep finding yourself tapping your foot along to the songs which are delivered well on the Plaza stage.
Most of you will know the story of 9 to 5 from the 1980 film but if you don't; it's the story of three 'secretaries' who get revenge on their sexist lying pig of a boss and story provides for a great musical.
The stage is fairly simple but proves very effective as different scenes slide in from each side and Dolly Parton herself starts the show via clever video projection.
The cast are what make this production what it is, the three leading ladies are superb; the instantly likeable Colette Desborough as Violet, the talented Hannah Davis as Doralee and Louise Colohan as Judy who has the voice of a West End star in the making. The three leading ladies (not girls) have great chemistry on stage and I was impressed with how they seemed to effortlessly glide from one scene to another, in fact how the entire cast make it look so easy.
The role of the big bad boss aka Franklin Hart Jr is played by Steve Harrison who is a great comedy actor, audience members were in stitches during his rendition of 'Here for You'.
Comedy also came in the form of Eleanor Wales who played the alcoholic Margaret and Andrea Sutcliffe who was brilliant as Roz, the best 'Roz' I have seen in a 9 to 5 production.
There were a couple of little nitpick moments here and there but other than that, it's just as good as a commercial production, now I don't know about you, but I get tired of the same night out, the same restaurant or the same weekly cinema; why not try something new, for nearly the same price as a cinema ticket, you can watch live entertainment which is funny, exciting and memorable, something you'll be talking about for weeks to come.
I'm so grateful that we have such fantastic local amateur operatic societies on our doorstep because their shows are always memorable.
Verdict: the cast are superb, all you need for a great night out!
Reviewer: Max Eden
Reviewed: 21st March 2017
