Hilarious, engaging and empowering: Edinburgh Footlights enthralled audiences with their outstanding Main Show production 9 to 5, running from 11th-15th February at Pleasance Theatre.
Spear-headed by a triad of compelling and radiant female characters, Violet, Doralee, and Judy (played by Orly Benn, Fiona Forster, and Richeldis Brosnan respectively), the plot follows their journey towards self-empowerment in a patriarchal workplace… achieved through the kidnapping of their boss. Despite the odious nature of their boss Franklin Hart (played by Levi Jones), and the visceral disgust he perpetrated, it was impossible to ignore the sheer brilliance of Jones’ voice, and his perfected hate-ability. Brosnan’s Judy was an entertaining bundle of bubbly, ditzy and hopeful; her liberation and self-growth was readily communicated in Brosnan’s multi-faceted portrayal. Forster’s Doralee encapsulated everything Dolly Parton: her expressive and lilting voice was soothing yet powerful, whilst Benn’s Violet was the beating-heart of the production. Passionate, inspiring and genuine, Benn’s prowess stretched between comedy, tap-dancing, nuanced use of voice, and the captivating portrayal of the ardent Violet Newstead. The leading women of the show proved that there really is strength in numbers: their chemistry, vocally and performatively, ignited the stage.
Hannah Whelan’s Roz was also a source of expertise: mock-sophistication, ridiculous yet enthralling musical numbers, an incredible voice – her role as Hart’s secretary (and biggest admirer) was perfectly-constructed hilarity.
The lead performances were bolstered by the strength of the ensemble, with notable roles by Huw Turnball as Tinsworthy, Minnie Cross as Missy and Emma Bland as Magaret.
The simplicity of the set design by Serena Hopkins and Lucy Izzy – which entailed moveable panels constantly rearranged to show Hart’s office, the ball-pit, as well as other office spots and Hart’s house – allowed for seamless transitions, and ultimate focus on the performers. Directed by Ellie Jackson and Max Middleton, the show was a captivating success, leaving audiences elevated, in stitches of laughter, tapping along to the music, and in a state of utter amazement at the talent of the performers before us.
Photography by Andrew Morris