'9 to 5 - The Musical' review

The New Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham

9 TO 5 - THE MUSICAL (The Ambassador Theatre Group Ltd)

Jackie Clune, Amy Lennox & Natalie Casey

If you’re looking for an uplifting show that’s different to the usual fare available at this festive time then you couldn’t do any better than going to see “9 to 5” the amazing, new musical, direct from Broadway. Based on the seventies movie, it highlights the daily struggles three, very different, women have trying to succeed in a ‘man’s world’, while working for a sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot. Fortunes change when the ladies are pushed to their limits and events take an unexpected turn with life-changing consequences.

Bonnie Langford as Roz Keith

In addition to the popular title track, we are treated to a whole bunch of new songs, written especially for the show by the legendary singer songwriter, Dolly Parton, as well as several ‘virtual’ appearances from the southern belle throughout the performance. A superb cast bring this story to life with great characters, incredible vocals and slick dance routines. Jackie Clune, Amy Lennox and Natalie Casey deliver magnificent performances as the downtrodden, but ultimately triumphant, trio of Violet, Doralee and Judy, with stunning voices, brilliant storytelling and hilarious comedic moments, while the impressive Ben Richards is perfectly detestable as their nemesis, Franklyn J. Hart. The nation’s favourite, Bonnie Langford, gives a jaw-dropping, awesome performance as Hart’s smitten assistant, Roz Keith, leaving the audience howling with laughter in her number ‘Heart To Hart’. The talented members of the ensemble are fantastically energised and keep the musical flowing from scene to scene with their choreographic interjections.

Ben Richards as Franklyn J Hart

Jeff Calhoun has to be commended on doing such a wonderful job as director and choreographer, as this magical production truly inspires and motivates and is pure escapism at its very best. 9 to 5 The Musical will have you grinning from ear to ear and wishing it would never end. I sincerely hope that it will get the West End transfer that it surely deserves.

Go and see it now at the New Alexandra Theatre in Birmingham now before the tour ends on 5^th January 2013.

'Cinderella' review

Malvern Festival Theatre

CINDERELLA (UK Productions)

Jamie Rickers, Emma Nowell & Ruth Madoc

UK Productions triumphantly return to Malvern Theatres, this festive season, with the magical, rags to riches tale of Cinderella. They have breathed refreshing, new life into their show this year with the accomplished director, Scott Ritchie, whose choreographic background shines through in the telling of this fairytale.

A seasoned panto professional, Ritchie, slickly directs a lovely cast to present a great story, with traditional pantomimic elements, interspersed with song and dance spectaculars. Clearly inspired, Alastair Bull’s choreography is his best yet, with highlights including the Keystone Cops inspired woodland hunt and ‘Voguing’ in the palace ballroom. The professional dancers, many of whom are graduates of Cecilia Hall Dance Centre, excel themselves and revel in the opportunities afforded them, as do the current Cecilia Hall girls. Rob Thorne Jnr. brings his musical expertise to the mix to wow us with great vocal harmonies and instrumental accompaniment.

The legendary, iconic and truly wonderful Ruth Madoc opens the show as a mere ‘Fairy-on-top-of-the-Christmas-tree’ but soon finds herself promoted to the more matriarchal character of the Fairy Godmother that we expect. Hi-Di-Hi fans are in for a treat too! The brilliant Jamie Rickers gets the award for “The Best Entrance On Stage Ever In The History Of Pantomime”. His performance, as Buttons, is as hilarious as his physical comedy is impressive. Emma Nowell is absolutely adorable and perfect as the down trodden, yet ever hopeful and kind, Cinderella. Don Crann portrays an understated and gentle Baron Hardup, while Bobbie Kent’s vertically challenged, aging, ugly sister provides a perfect contrast to Anthony West’s more youthful and imposing sibling, whose fabulousness is reflected in his fantastic frocks. An unexpected delight is to be found in the roles of Prince Charming and his valet Dandini, superbly played by Owen Thompson and Bobby Windebank respectively, as they croon, tap dance and even energetically ‘Gangnam Style’ it through the show. This double act breathe a much needed and very welcome, new life and energy into these two characters, completing the ensemble.

Your Christmastime won’t be complete without this theatrical treat for all the family. Cinderella runs until Sunday 6^th January. Check with Malvern Theatres for times of performances. Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year!