9 to 5 at the Cambridge Arts Theatre

Brilliantly fun and thought-provoking. This show proves to be a hilarious but also important trip back in time to the reality for many women during the late 1970s.

This was an amateur dramatic production, but certainly did not feel that way from the set design that was drawn back, but informative without being distracting to the extremely talented cast. I truly felt this was a value-for-money production that I am glad I saw and would happily see again.

*POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD*

My Review:

I went into this show completely blind and aware that it was an amateur dramatic production, however, I was most definitely not disappointed as I thoroughly enjoyed this show. It must be mentioned that this production felt very professional and had I not been aware then I would have thought this was a professional production.

The show opens with the title number 9 to 5, which was great fun and the perfect way to open the show as it introduces all of the characters, showcasing both the leads and the ensemble. One slightly notable issue throughout the show was the mics as there was a slight lag between when a character started speaking and when the mic began to amplify their voice. Whilst only momentarily, this meant that some moments of dialogue were lost, especially when two characters were conversing as mics struggled to keep up with the alternating voices. This is not linked to the performers at all and they reacted correctly by ensuring to project their voices more to minimise the effect. I have seen this issue in West End productions as well, and I am aware that it is just a part of live theatre, however, I felt that it should be mentioned as it unfortunately led to moments of the show being lost.. Around Here utilised choreography using papers, telephones, typewriters and desks to incorporate the office setting into the song and show the differing roles of male and female workers around the office based on what they were doing during this song. Emma Viecelli played Violet and Ellie Baldwin played Judy, both of these leads had amazing voices and I hope they go far as I would love to see them shine in another show. The other lead was Vikki Jones, who played Doralee and her previous experience on the West End and most recently in the UK Tour of 42nd Street shone through by her talent, firstly shown by her rendition of Backwoods Barbie. Franklin was perfectly portrayed by Rodger Lloyd as he was able to make the audience dislike him whilst also maintaining some comedy with his portrayal of this character, this contrast was especially shown during Here For You. Katie Emma McArthur is a comedic genius who also boasts a phenomenal voice, her rendition of Heart to Hart had me in stitches as her mannerisms and use of her voice added to the already comedic nature of this moment in the show. The songs Dance of Death, Cowgirl's Revenge and Potion Notion were seemingly merged into one, however, this felt natural as they were all linked. The costume changes during these moments were amazing, and whilst also showcasing the three leads, these songs once again allowed the ensemble to shine in all of their glory. The ensemble is made up of Dominic Brown, Sam Fuller, Andrew Ruddick, Ash Smith, Toni Oglive, Cara Watson, Radhika Gupta, Kellie Lucken, Megan Fleet, Charlotte Dargan, Christian Poole, Ellie Toms, Fletcher Sanderson, Heidi Wilson and Serey Grayling. Alongside being the ensemble, they all have multiple roles within the show and are all extremely talented. The woodland scene during Potion Notion is hilarious and for me personally, Fletcher Sanderson steals the end moment of this song with his solo dancing which is unexpected and brilliant, serving as both comedic value but also a show of his talent.

One of the Boys opens Act 2 and sets the seed for the plan for Violet to take over as CEO of the company, going on shows as the three main girls begin to make changes in the company. One of these changes is sending Roz away, which leads into 5 to 9, brilliantly performed by Katie Emma McArthur. The first time we hear Joe sing is in Act 2 during his duet with Violet, Let Love Grow, and Michael Broom did not disappoint. Alongside Emma Viecelli, they provided a beautiful and heartfelt moment during the show. This song allows the audience to forget the trials and tribulations of women at this time for one moment and shows a man who truly cares for a woman, who will help and love her without expecting anything in return. In Act 2 we also see Judy stand up for herself against her husband Dick who is portrayed by Andrew Ruddick during Get Out and Stay Out. This song is a turning point for Judy as she finally finds the courage to stand up for herself against Dick and Ellie Baldwin's ability to portray such strong emotions whilst still performing a beautiful rendition is true acting through song and a testament of her talent. The show ends with a Finale song, which is performed by the full ensemble, since this song is also 9 to 5 with slightly changed lyrics, it acts as a full circle moment that perfectly ends the show and ties up all loose ends.

Content Warnings:

This show did not have any content warnings around the theatre, and watching the show, there were not many major possible triggers that I noticed, however, there were a couple of moments that I felt should be mentioned.

Implied sexual assault and harassment throughout the show - this mainly occurs during scenes between Franklin and Doralee
There are gunshots which are signalled by characters holding a gun, however in this production, these are not very loud

Thank you for taking the time to read and I hope this review has proved interesting and helpful for you :)

- AnxiousTheatregoer