9 to 5: The Musical closes in West End amid theatre shutdown
9 to 5: The Musical has prematurely ended its run in London’s West End amid the ongoing theatre shutdown.
The musical had been due to play at the Savoy Theatre until May 23.
However with UK venues now closed until at least May 31, the production has been forced to cut its run short just after celebrating its first year of performances on February 17.
Executive Producer Adam Speers celebrated the success of the show: “On behalf of all the producers, we are so proud of the London cast and crew who have achieved so much. Co-writer Patricia Resnick, Director Jeff Calhoun and the team at ATG Productions worked with Dolly and I to create a show so full of humour, energy and of course great songs!
“It filled the audiences with joy, at a time we all really needed it and will do so again. Theatre is all about bringing people together and we are very excited to share the joy of 9 to 5 around the globe in 2021 and beyond”.
Throughout its run the cast included Louise Redknapp, Caroline Sheen, Amber Davies, Chelsea Halfpenny, Natalie McQueen, Bonnie Langford, Brian Conley and David Hasselhoff.
Louise Redknapp said of her time on the show: “I can’t express how much I have loved being part of 9 to 5. From the entire cast, to the all the teams backstage at the theatre and most of all the fantastic audience that came and cheered along time and time again. Violet Newstead will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s now time to officially clock off.”
Caroline Sheen added: “9 to 5 was such an unexpected treat to be a part of. I joined a cast of strangers and they became some of my dearest friends, mainly thanks to the ethos of the producers, the sense of family and the joy of being in such a fun and exhilarating show. Just sublime. An honour and a thrill to have been a part of it.”
Amber Davies enthused: “This show changed my life. It was an honour to work with Dolly and it’s been a dream to make so many friends and with work with incredible people. I am so proud and happy 9 to 5 was the show that brought me to the West End.”
And Natalie McQueen shared: “This journey has been one of a kind. To be a part of an original cast and to experience the wonderful things we got to do, made me feel incredibly lucky. I’m going to miss DD Doralee very much.”
With a score written by country music icon Dolly Parton, 9 To 5 The Musical is based on the 1980s comedy movie of the same name, which Dolly starred in.
It tells the story of workmates Doralee, Violet and Judy who push back against sexist supervisor Franklin Hart. The Oscar, Grammy and Tony award-nominated score features some of Parton’s biggest hits, including the legendary ‘9 to 5’, as well as original songs written for the show.
Following its closing on the West End, 9 to 5: The Musical will head out on a new UK tour in 2020 starting at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre in June.
Casting for the tour is to be confirmed.
Meanwhile, an official West End cast recording of 9 to 5 The Musical was recently released.
