9 to 5 the Musical Review, November 2019 - NODA

9 to 5, music and lyrics by Dolly Parton, book by Patricia Resnick tells the story what happens when the tables are turned on a sexist, egotistical, hypocritical boss (who’s also a bigot) as three female office workers who are underpaid and undervalued, unite to get revenge. It’s full, friendship, love and bubbling performances, fantastic songs and sparkling performances. From the first few bars of the familiar opening song – 9 to 5 of the title – we know we’re in for an evening of high energy entertainment.

The production: The period feel of a 1980s office was beautifully recreated throughout the evening. There were some lovely performances – particularly from the three women battling to come out on top: Nicola Morrin (as Violet), Millie Clucas (Doralee), Laura Burrell as Judy and Stephen Westwood as Hart, their boss. Sally Manning as devoted secretary and office spy, Roz almost stole the show. The entire cast performed with supreme confidence and professionalism. The choreography by Nick Brannam who also directed, was imaginative and well executed. The songs were performed with warmth, precision and joyful emotion. Although the subject of the show had serious undertones, there was a feel-good approach to it and it was delivered with first class performances, enthusiasm and panache we have come to expect from BATS’ productions.

Millie Clucas as Doralee and Stephen Westwood as Franklin Hart Jr.

Costumes: The costumes were in keeping with period and narrative. There was great attention to detail and the dream sequence outfits were custom-made and of the highest quality. The hair styles complemented the 80s outfits.

Lighting and sound: The lighting was good although I struggle to understand why, on occasion, there was a smoky effect. The sound was generally good but once or twice dipped and made it difficult to understand some characters, especially when dialogue delivery was fast and heavily accented.

Scenery: The stage design was well conceived and of high quality. The backdrops largely pastel in colour and 80s style were very effective as was Hart’s office and the typing pool was realistically recreated. The Xerox machine and car – used for Hart’s kidnap – deserves special mention.

Chris Horton
National Operatic and Dramatic Association (NODA) South East Region, District 14 Representative

9 to 5 the Musical Review, Nov 2019 - Basingstoke Gazette

From the moment Dolly Parton's iconic song '9 to5' came on at the Haymarket the audience was fixed on Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society’s (BATS) production.

Based on the film of the same name, the musical sees three-woman Violet, Doralee and Judy are pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss.

From the off the show was fast paced, full of laughs and a lot of innuendo.

Nicola Morrin, was a dominant presence on the stage as Violet Newstead, with Laura Burrell acting as her perfect foil as the at time naive Judy Bernly.

Millie Clucas as Doralee

However, it was Millie Clucas giving her best Dolly Parton impression as Doralee Rhodes, who every time you heard that Southern twang you could be convinced you were no longer in Basingstoke.

As the performance develops, we see how the friendship between this somewhat unlikely trio unfolds before our eyes as they have to deal with being women in a men's world.

Stephen Westwood looked like he was having a bit too much fun in the role of sleazy boss Franklin Hart Jnr., but the best laughs were kept for Sally Manning's interpretation of brown-noser, Roz Keith.

As have become accustom with the many BATS productions I have attended, the choreography and set design is always something to behold, and even if there was a slight technical snag, it didn’t detract from the story.

Throughout the three leading ladies were completely captivating and each one let their characters personality shine through.

In a time when there are still ongoing fights for equal rights for women, it is a little bit jarring to think that the type of behaviour displayed in 9 to 5 for a long time was the norm.

That being said, BATS tackle the subject sensitively, if not with their own trademark brand of humour sprinkled throughout.

Despite minor technical difficulties BATS once again showed their quality in the performance and the depth of talent they have at their disposal.

Tim Birkbeck

Violet Shakes up the Office!

“I’m on a women’s rights ride at the moment!” laughs Nicola Morrin, as we catch up during a break in rehearsals for 9 to 5 – the Musical. I’ve just played another very strong female character, Rita in Made in Dagenham, who led the fight for equal pay at the Ford car factory in the ‘60s. Now I’ve been cast as Violet, another hard working mum.”

“She’s a victim of office politics and teams up with her colleagues Judy and Doralee to teach the boss a lesson!”

Nicola Morrin

The relationship between the three female characters is at the heart of 9 to 5.

“Violet takes a chance on Judy. She sees she’s very inexperienced in the workplace, so needs her strength and protection. But Judy teaches Violet a lesson too, not to be judgemental of Doralee, based on how she looks.”

“It’s clear we all need each other – and together we’re stronger.”

Events manager Nicola has performed with a range of amateur societies across Hampshire and Berkshire, notably Reading Operatic Society, but took a five year break when her own children came along. They’re now aged 7 and 10, and Nicola is enjoying her return to the stage in 9 to 5.

“It’s quite unusual for an amateur company to be allowed to perform a show while it’s still running in the West End, so this is a great opportunity for BATS!”

The powerhouse vocals of Nicola and her fellow performers bring Dolly Parton’s music to the stage in sensational style, including the classics 9 to 5, Backwoods Barbie and songs specially written for the musical.

So why pay West End prices when there’s talent like this on your doorstep?

See Nicola in 9 to 5 – The Dolly Parton Musical at the Haymarket, from 19 - 23 November. Buy tickets online.

Meet our Dolly - aka Millie Clucas

Millie Clucas is getting used to telling people she’s playing the Dolly Parton role in 9 to 5, the Dolly Parton musical.

“When I got cast, I really felt the pressure because it’s such a big role, vocally and emotionally, and I want to do the character justice,” she explains.

Millie Clucas plays the role of Doraleee Rhodes

Millie plays Doralee, a buxom secretary whom everyone presumes is having an affair with her horrible boss, but is actually the victim of his sexual harassment.

“She wants to be liked for who she is, not for what she looks like,” says Millie. “I’m quite often cast in roles like this, but I’m not that person in real life. For two hours on stage though, it’s fun to embody that role.”

That includes acting opposite BATS veteran Steve Westwood, who plays the boss, Franklin Hart. “He plays the part so well, the audience will really want him to get what’s coming to him!”

Doralee teams up with colleagues Violet and Judy to sort out the boss in an unconventional way… you’ll have to watch the show to find out how!

Like her fellow leading ladies Nicola Morrin, who plays Violet, and Jade Nicholas and Laura Burrell, who share the role of Judy, Millie is making her BATS debut with this show.

“I guess the theme of the show is, ‘Together, We’re Stronger’,” says Millie, “and the four of us get on really well. We back each other up, and that’s helped us develop the friendship between the three main characters - it’s coming really naturally now.”

Attending the weeknight rehearsals means an 80 mile round trip for Millie, from her home near the South Coast. “But the moment I listened to the full soundtrack of 9 to 5, I thought ‘I have to be in this show!’ The songs are fantastic – of course they are, they’re by Dolly Parton! So you make the time!”

See Millie in 9 to 5 – The Dolly Parton Musical at the Haymarket, from 19 - 23 November. Buy tickets online.

9 to 5 - Dates and information for pre-audition rehearsals and auditions

If you would like to join us to perform in our November production of Dolly Parton’s 9 to 5 The Musical, below are the key dates that you will need to be available for.

Welcome talk
Wednesday 5th June: 19:45 – 22:00 hrs
Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG4 8LT

Pre-audition workshops

Monday 10th June: 19:30 – 22:00 hrs
Wednesday 12th June: 19:45 – 22:00 hrs
Monday 17th June: 19:30 – 22:00 hrs
Wednesday 19th June: 19:45 – 22:00 hrs
Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG4 8LT

Auditions
Sunday 23rd June 2019: 10:00 – 18:00 hrs (Dance until 12 noon)
Venue: Market Chambers, town centre Basingstoke

Director setting dates
In addition to the director setting dates (below), cast will generally be called for rehearsal every Monday and Wednesday evening.

Venue: Christ Church, Reading Road, Chineham, RG4 8LT

Monday 24th June: First read through of the script
Sunday 14th – Thursday 18th July: Director setting (act 1)
Sunday 15th September – Thursday 19th September: Director setting (act 2)
Saturday 19th October: Cast show promotion at Waitrose and The Malls
Monday 21st October: Director setting (Run of act 1 + notes)
Wednesday 23rd October: Director setting (Run of act 2 + notes)
Monday 11th November: Director setting (Run of show + notes)
Thursday 14th November: Costume Call
Friday 15th November: Run of show in costume

Sunday 17th November: Band call and technical rehearsal (Haymarket Theatre)
Monday 18th November: Dress rehearsal (Haymarket Theatre)
Tuesday 19th – Saturday 23rd November: Performances (including Saturday matinee) (Haymarket Theatre)