FOLLOWING their very successful production last year of Made in Dagenham, Yeadon Amateur Operatic Society have again chosen a production with a very large female cast which showcases some of their best actresses from the society.

Many people will remember the fantastic film starring Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton which tells the tale of three unlikely friends who take control of their office and learn there is nothing they can’t do, even in a man’s world.

9 to 5 The Musical, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and book by Patricia Resnick, is based on this seminal 1980 hit movie. Set in the late 1970s this hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era is outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic.

Pushed to the boiling point, three female co-workers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. In a hilarious turn of events, Violet, Judy and Doralee live out their wildest fantasy – giving their boss the boot! While Hart remains “otherwise engaged,” the women give their workplace a dream makeover, taking control of the company that had always kept them down.

I thought Ruth Graham’s performance as Violet was superb. A great singing voice and excellent acting. I particularly liked her singing of Around Here, Potion Notion and One of the Boys. Likewise Fiona Yeadon and Jordon Garnett turned in two superb performances as Judy and Doralee with their excellent singing and acting. Fiona’s renditions of I Just Might and Get Out & Stay Out were flawless as were Jordon’s performances in Backwoods Barbie and Shine Like the Sun.

I must also give plaudits to Gavin Mills as the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot Franklin Hart, and Julie Kettlewell as Roz. Gavin produced a great performance in his number Here for You as did Julie in Heart to Hart and 5 to 9.

There were other fine performances from Paul Metcalfe as Joe, Violet’s suitor, McCauley Gaunt as Dick, Heather Coulton as Margaret and Chris Doey as Dwayne.

The production and choreography by Peyton Martin was excellent, well supported by Vikki Paris his assistant choreographer and also Will Rowson the Musical Director. Hiding the band at the back of the stage gave the artists much more room with the stage having been extended and this certainly helped in some of the larger production numbers such as 9 to 5 and Shine Like the Sun where the chorus certainly did shine. Finally, I must mention Andy Grace for some great set designs.

The show runs until Saturday and I am told there are seats available for the matinee on Saturday afternoon. If you want great entertainment, get along and see it. Tickets are available on line at http://yaods.org.uk/tickets/ or ring 01943462283.

John Burland