A Timeless Anthem Revisited
Dolly Parton's chart-topping anthem '9 to 5' remains one of pop's great rallying cries, and the stage adaptation now playing at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in Guildford brings the story back to life. The musical, which premiered on Broadway in 2008 and arrived in the UK in 2012 with Bonnie Langford in the cast, follows three office workers united against their pompous, sexist and spectacularly unpleasant boss. Their frustrations erupt into a revenge fantasy involving blackmail, kidnapping, mistaken identities and a full-blown office revolution.
Cast Shines Despite Script
The production features a talented trio: Kayla Carter as Judy, Jade Marvin as Violet, and Karla Tracey as Doralee. Their energy, precision and magic on stage are remarkable. Several times the audience cheered and whooped, with some standing mid-act to applaud. The show lands with an infectious charm, suggesting that '9 to 5' still clocks on and off for many in exactly the right places. However, 45 years after Parton first released the song, the workplace has changed and feminism has evolved. The script remains firmly rooted in the late 1970s, with characters that feel like stock stereotypes from Central Casting, and a plot that is thin on subtlety.
Confronting Uncomfortable Truths
The inclusion of sexual harassment, abuse of power and even kidnapping played as broad farce does not rest easy. Comedy has long been a way of confronting uncomfortable truths, and audiences may laugh at injustice before recognising it for what it is. While equality remains relevant, the treatment of these issues in the book belongs to another age. Nevertheless, the curtain bows attracted wild applause from the substantial and enthusiastic Guildford audience. The reviewer admitted leaving the theatre humming the theme song, acknowledging Dolly Parton's warm-hearted magic. The show runs until Saturday, August 1.
Behind the Scenes: Burlesque Cancellation and Panto Preparations
In related theatre news, the planned launch of 'Burlesque the Musical' at Woking Theatre was cancelled just 48 hours before its press night. A discreet press release cited creative differences, with a new director appointed. The production is now scheduled for November. Meanwhile, Woking Theatre is already preparing for its pantomime press launch, a key event in the theatre calendar. Despite it being August, balloons, fake snow and costumes will set the scene for 'Goldilocks and the Three Bears', starring Brian Conley. The cast will be available for photographs and interviews with local and national press, as well as influencers. The reviewer anticipates a good-natured scrum.
