*** (3 Stars)
“Filled with Comedy Joy”
Edinburgh University Footlights theatre company mark there thirty sixth year with their first production of 2025 with the 2008 smash hit musical 9 to 5 based on the original 1980 motion picture that sent Dolly Parton’s career into the stratosphere. Debuting in Los Angeles at the Ahmanson Theatre the show would transfer to Broadway at the Marquis Theatre before arriving in the UK for an Initial tour then a lengthy run in the west end at the Savoy Theatre.
The musical faithfully transfers the motion picture to the stage thanks to the films writer Patricia Resnick returning to write the book and Dolly Parton providing the music and lyrics. It s a 90% new score but Parton’s hits “Backwoods Barbie” and the titular “9 to 5” both feature in the show.
The Footlights produce a fabulously camp take on the show filled with wonderful comedic performances but the technical issues especially with sound are weighing the overall production down.
Performances across the board are excellent, with the company being lead in style by Orly Benn as “Violet” who gives the character real depth and conviction but can also deliver lovely vocals. Richeldis Brosnan’s “Judy” has a rich naivety that transform into inner strength that’s a joy to watch. Fiona Foster channels her inner Dolly in wonderful style in the role of “Doralee” dressed in bubble gum pink with a sassiness the shines!. Taking on the role of “Mr Hart” is Levi Jones who gives the heartless chauvinist the right touch of evil and has the vocal ability to carry the role off.
The principals are joined by an excellent 12 strong ensemble company who make the most of every moment in the spotlight to shine especially when delivering Lyss Britton choreography which adds real polish to the show. Co Directors Ellie Jackson and Max Middleton have delivered well on the comedy and getting the production cracking along at a snappy pace although they need the cast to work on accents at the moment the majority are more Edinburgh’s southside than South of the Bronx in New York City. The exception is Fiona Foster who smashes a southern accent with ease.
Production wise it’s a mixed bag, Tom Beazlay’s lighting design lifts the show endlessly and makes the most of Serena Hopkins and Lucy Henderson’s set design. Millie Franchi and Joceyln Law’s costume design works well, but it doesn’t always evoke 1979 east coast America but it does add quality to the show and gives the production a clever look all of its own.
The major problem is sound. Jack Oldcorn design should work well given the volume of head microphones being used but the operation on opening night pulled the show down. Volume levels went from ear shatteringly loud to mic’s not being on at all. The majority of the performance the levels were set far too high leading to vicious feedback adding to the problems. The vocals on stage too often overpowered musical director Eric Roger’s excellent 12 piece pit band who delivered in spades and the sound department did balance the band excellently.
Footlights production of 9 to 5 is filled with comedy joy and delivers a good night of musical theatre fun for the price of its tickets but the company need to get the sound sorted as a four star show is within its grasp. For now stumble out of bed and pull yourself a cup of ambition and head to the Pleasance Theatre for tickets!
EU Footlights Presents 9 to 5 the Musical, The pleasance Theatre, Edinburgh runs until Saturday 15th February for more information and tickets go to: 9 to 5 The Musical tickets on Tuesday 11 Feb | Edinburgh University Footlights | FIXR
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