REVIEW: 9 to 5 the musical, Lancaster
9 to 5, with music and lyrics by the legendary country and western star, posed a serious challenge for Morecambe Amateurs but, boy, (perhaps that should read girl) did they accept it with gusto and panache, under the imaginative tutelage of director and choreographer Steve Chesters.
This was the spectacular demise of the sexist, bigoted, seedy company boss, who got a deserved comeuppance when his downtrodden female employees staged an uprising.
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Hide AdTheir solution: kidnap the fella and run the place themselves, to prove they were better at it.
And they were!
The society can be proud of their achievement in interpreting such a fast moving, action-packed production.
And a special word of praise for those who were obliged to parade their attributes in various stages of dress and undress.
The four main characters took the theatre by storm – they were inspired choices, with strong character studies and marvellous singing talents.
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Hide AdSo take a bow Alison Birtle, Sophie Butler and Hannah Morris – quite wonderful as the three main female protagonists – and, of course, Ray Jenkinson, the hated boss, oozing lasciviousness and oceans of politically incorrect nastiness.
Gail Bowskill transformed brilliantly from prim secretary into slinky, scantily clad day-dreamer while the excellent James Shield’s singing voice recalled the Susan Boyle, I have a Dream Moment.
A special word too for the orchestra, under musical director Joanne Jeffreys – tip top form.
Review by Mike Whalley.
9 to 5 the musical.
Lancaster Grand Theatre.