Calling all StageSiders, welcome back to another review here at StageSideUK. This time around, we are getting out and staying at the Darlington Hippodrome for our 5 to 9 theatre fix. 9 to 5 the musical is playing at the Darlington Hippodrome this week and what a treat!
Disclaimer: We were gifted a pair of free press tickets in exchange for an honest review of the show.
We headed to Darlington Hippodrome for 9 to 5 The Musical, a show packed with workplace chaos, big personalities, slick choreography and, most importantly, some absolutely out-of-this-world vocals. I mean, I was taken back and then some!
9 to 5 is a hit musical with songs by Dolly Parton, and a book by Patricia Resnick. The story follows Judy, Violet and Doralee who create ripples in the workplace in their own ways. Violet wants to climb the corporate ladder, Doralee wants to make a living and Judy has to start from the bottom after a breakup with her husband. The trio quickly descend into chaos.
From the moment the cast take to the stage, it’s clear that this is a company with some serious vocal talent. There are moments throughout the show where the vocals genuinely stop you in your tracks, with big notes and powerful performances that fill the Hippodrome beautifully. In fact, I’d go as far as to say that the vocal performances alone make this show worth seeing. Get Out and Stay Out is just a masterpiece.
But the singing isn’t where the good stuff ends.
The story is well written, engaging and filled with plenty of humour, while the cast bring their characters to life with superb acting. There’s a great sense of chemistry across the company, and the performances keep the story moving at a strong pace without allowing the comedy to overshadow the more meaningful moments.
The choreography is another highlight. It’s slick, well rehearsed and perfectly suited to the upbeat nature of the show. The company move with real precision, adding another layer of energy to an already lively production. There are some wonderfully choreographed moments where the whole cast come together, and these are among the show’s strongest visual highlights.
Visually, the production takes a more minimalistic approach. The set isn’t packed with huge pieces or elaborate scenery, but there is enough happening on stage to keep things visually interesting. I never found myself sitting there wondering what I was supposed to be looking at, and the simplicity allows the performers and the story to remain firmly at the centre of the production.
I will say, I think the screen at the start with a static clock on it showing a random time, it was a little cheap. A projector with a clock counting down to 9am would be amazing. Or maybe even just a clock flown in with 9 on it. It was the only visual sticking point for me.
A logistical issue was that the set features a raised section. Whilst there isnt a great deal of activity taking place on this platform, there are some major elements including one of the biggest comedic moments at the end of act 1. I was sat in the stalls towards the front and I couldn’t see this scene because of the tables and chairs on stage, and then the angle of the platform. It was kind of lost on me. HOWEVER, I think this was just a luck of the draw moment and perhaps it was just an unlucky seat.
For me, though, it really does come back to those vocals. There are some seriously impressive moments throughout 9 to 5, and the cast have the ability to take an already enjoyable musical and elevate it with their voices. The story, choreography and acting are all fantastic additions, but those vocal moments are what I will remember most.
Kayla Carter needs to have a shout out. THE BEST JUDY I HAVE SEEN, and ive seen the show a few times now. I was blown away! The vocals were stunning, the little comedic reactions were perfection…
Jade Marvin plays Violet so well, almost naturally. But we get enough of her take on the character come through to remind us that she is not Violet in reality. A credit to her acting ability.
Karla Tracey plays Doralee, and wow! I could listen to Backwoods Barbie (my favourite dolly song) over and over. Stunning vocals and really great pacing in the acted moments.
Overall, 9 to 5 is a thoroughly enjoyable night at the theatre. It’s funny, energetic, well performed and packed with some exceptional singing. It may not have the most elaborate set I’ve seen, but when the performances are this strong, you don’t necessarily need one.
Accessibility
The production features amplified music, strong vocals, theatrical lighting and energetic choreography throughout. There are also moments of heightened volume during some of the larger musical numbers.
Value for Money
With a strong cast, excellent vocals, slick choreography and an engaging story, 9 to 5 offers good value for money. For me, the vocal performances alone make the production worth seeing, with everything else adding to an already enjoyable evening. Tickets averaged around £35 ish with some above and some below.
Have Your Say
Have you seen Landmark Theatres production of 9 to 5 the musical? What did you think of the show? Let me know in the comments and lets get a discussion going.
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