Vintage fun as Spotlight is turned on 9 to 5 office politics

The Spotlight is on, the scene unfolds, and who should appear on the Corran Halls stage screen, the legendary Dolly Parton herself, writes Janet Kinghorn.

This toe-tapping stage version of the 1980s film has it all, the songs, sass and sultry sirens with a storyline that, although at times feels dated, is an ode to strong female characters in the workplace.

With a rip-roaring score by the Queen of Country, 9 to 5 the Musical tells the story of three workmates pushed to boiling point by their sexist and egotistical boss. Concocting a plan to kidnap and turn the tables on their despicable supervisor, will the ladies manage to reform their office – or will events unravel when the CEO pays an unexpected visit?

Spotlight musical theatre group’s leading ladies appeared to have a ball, with standout performances from perfectly cast songstress Ellie Cooper as Doralee, Fran Melville as Violet – who was joy to watch as she embodied the role of downtrodden worker rising to CEO – and the fantastic Kathleen Bate playing the "new girl" Judy, making up a fabulous trio taking on their lecherous, sexist boss, Franklin Hart played perfectly by Roderick MacEachen. It would be remiss of me not to mention the wonderful Morven Wright playing Franklin’s lovestruck, long-suffering secretary, Roz.

Another piece of fine casting by director, choreographer and producer, Louisa Hyde.

There were some wonderful scenes with the ensemble company as they sang their hearts out to Dolly’s well-known, Backwoods Barbie, Shine Like The Sun and of course the classic, 9 to 5.

Praise must be given to the stage crew who kept the scene changes spot on, not forgetting the cast who gamefully brought on props with them.

Barring a couple of technical issues with the sound on the Friday night, the show

appeared to go without a hitch. In fact what made it even more special during the curtain reprise of 9 to 5, when the backing track cut out, the ensemble carried the show stopper to the final curtain awarded by rapturous applause from the appreciative packed Oban audience.

As the old adage goes, the show must go on, and it certainly did.

Photographs: Spotlight MTG The 9 to 5 cast put on a terrific show that had audiences giving them rapturous applause; Kathleen Bate, left, Fran Melville and Ellie Cooper were outstanding as the female leads.