Dolly Parton: 'I hope audiences leave 9 to 5 feeling inspired'

One of the biggest shows to open in the West End this year, 9 to 5 is the musical adaptation of the 1980 film that saw Dolly Parton rise to fame.

The musical follows a trio of female workers (played by Caroline Sheen, Amber Davies and Natalie McQueen) as they try to take down their boss Franklin Hart Jr. (Brian Conley) in a show of female empowerment that's packed with hilarity (not least thanks to a potentially show-stealing performance by Bonnie Langford). 

At the opening night of 9 to 5, we spoke to Dolly Parton who said that she had been waiting to open the show in the West End for a 'long, long time', as well as asking how she wants people to feel when they leave the theatre.

At the end of the performance, Dolly took to the stage to personally thank everyone involved in the production, saying 'I'm so proud, you made me look good!' to the cast members on stage. Speaking about the journey of 9 to 5 around the world from the 1980 film and beyond, she expressed gratitude at the musical opening in the West End.  

In a review for LondonTheatre, Mark Shenton praised the musical, saying it was 'bang up-to-date and a smart, fast brand-new production with supreme confidence that's full of both wit and grit'. 

9 to 5 is currently playing at the Savoy Theatre.

9 to 5 tickets are available now.

^{Photo credit: Dan Wooller}