Review: Dolly Parton Presents 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL at The Regent Theatre*

Although I’m sure that the majority of people will know the story behind the musical. For those who don’t, in the words of the writer of 9 to 5, Patricia Resnick, “It’s about three secretaries who have the worst boss in the world and they hate him so much they try to kill him.” This production of the Broadway jewel is certainly one in the crown for The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on-Trent. The show is well worth a watch! 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL will remind you of the inequality that people have fought so hard to redress in society, but this cracking production will have you laughing, singing and, most importantly, willing the heroines to get the better of their chauvinistic boss for the last time! Through its use of tongue in cheek humour and entertaining musical numbers, the show highlights the frustration of women and the extreme measures they had to take so that progress was made.

To provide a little more background, 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL features a book by Patricia Resnick, the legendary film’s original screenwriter, and an original Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score by country legend and pop icon Dolly Parton.  It tells the story of Doralee, Violet and Judy – three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. They devise a plan to give their belligerent boss a taste of his own medicine and he finds himself on the receiving end for a change. Follow the heroines as they hilariously take control of their own destiny and show him who is truly the boss!

The whole performance of 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL provides some light-hearted relief with a particularly comic performance from Sean Needham. Each song holds your attention and you’ll want to get up and bop in the aisles to the shows leading tunes. The stage transitions are smooth, the costumes fantastic and the dance routines synchronised to perfection. Claire Sweeney leads the way well as one of the shows main heroines and the production lights up the stage and will not disappoint. !

Cast Details

Claire Sweeney has a television and theatre career that spans over 20 years. She is probably best known for playing the role of Lindsey Corkhill in Brookside. Her other television credits include Clocking Off and Merseybeat along with a presenting role on 60 Minute Makeover and as a panellist on ITV’s Loose Women. Claire’s West End roles include Roxie Hart in Chicago and Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls. Claire previously played Baroness Bomburst in the National Tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and the title role in Educating Rita at London’s Menier Chocolate Factory and prior to that, played Paulette in the UK tour of the award-winning Legally Blonde. She most recently appeared as Irene in the National Tour of Crazy For You. Her other theatre credits include Tell Me on a Sunday and the title role in Shirley Valentine.

Claire joins the cast which includes Vivian Panka making her professional UK stage debut as Judy Bernly, Stephanie Chandos (9 to 5 The Musical – previously covering the role of Doralee, Hairspray and We Will Rock You,) as Doralee Rhodes, Sean Needham (Kinky Boots, Mamma Mia!, Wicked and Buddy) as Franklin Hart Jr. – a role he played on many occasions in both the West End and on tour,  Julia J. Nagle (American in Paris, Aspects of Love, Dirty Dancing) as Roz Keith and Russell Dickson (Evita) as Joe.

The cast is completed by Alexander Bartles, Sierra Brewerton, Rebekah Bryant, Emily Bull, Demmileigh Foster, Sonny Grieveson, Callum Henderson, Joshua Lear, Ross Lee Fowkes,  Sarah-Marie Maxwell Jon Reynolds, Clayton Rosa, Kirsty Anne Shaw, Ricardo Spriggs, Grace Walker, Emily Woodford, and Richard Taylor Woods.

How much do the tickets cost?

Tickets are priced from £13 to £65.

How do I book tickets to watch 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL?

Tickets are now on sale and available from the Box Office, by calling 0844 871 7649 or by visiting ATG’s website here.

How long is the show for and what are the timings?

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL will run until Saturday, 26 February 2022 at at 7.30pm with two matinee shows on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.  Do visit their website for more details.

Where is The Regent Theatre in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent?

Piccadilly
Stoke-on-Trent
ST1 1AP
Tel: 08448717649

About the Regent Theatre

The Regent Theatre is a theatre in Stoke-on-Trent, England. Constructed in 1929 as a cinema, it is one of several theatres in the city centre and one of two owned by the Ambassador Theatre Group. The building was converted for full-time use as a theatre in 1999, and since then has hosted a number of shows and musicals. The theatre is also the northern base for the Glyndebourne Touring Opera.

Tips / Information

• Please see the age guidance note above.
• To ensure the continued safety of their visitors and staff, currently, all attendees over the age of 18 will be required to provide proof of their COVID-19 status to gain entry to The Regent Theatre.
• Whilst masks are not mandatory in the Theatre at the moment (February 2022), it is suggested that they are worn during performances.
• Ample public car park spaces are available near to the Regent Theatre. The nearby John Street car park has a single charge of £1.50 from 6pm to it closes at 11.30pm
• Accessibility: On arrival at the theatre there are nine steps leading from the front doors to the foyer. There is a small lift suitable for wheelchairs and buggies
• There is lift access to all levels from the foyer (with an audible announcer)
• There is an infra-red sound enhancement system in the auditorium
• Guide, hearing and other working dogs are welcome in all parts of the theatre, and water is provided for them on request
• Accessible toilets are available

Review by: Rowena Jukes

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