More than four decades after the hit film of the same name was released, 9 to 5 The Musical has taken over UK theatres for its much anticipated tour.
Liverpool Empire is playing host to the office-based show, which remains as relevant today as the 1980s film.
Before I give my opinion on this show, I must confess to being a huge Dolly Parton fan. The glamorous, witty and impossibly clever American singer-songwriter can do no wrong in my eyes but as I took my seat at the Empire, I vowed to be as unbiased as possible.
Thankfully, I needn't have worried - this show is a joyous riot.
It tells the story of three office workers, Doralee, Violet and Judy, who grow tired of living in a "man's world", epitomised by their egotistical, misogynistic boss, Franklin Hart Jnr.
Instead of putting up and shutting up, the trio embark on a madcap scheme to kidnap him and enact some positive changes in their place of work.
It's almost farcical, while ensuring the vital themes of feminism, equality and sexism in the workplace still hit home.
The stage show was first released in 2008, with music and lyrics by Dolly Parton and a book by Patricia Resnick, based on the screenplay by Resnick and Colin Higgins.
Former Eternal star Louise Redknapp stars as Violet, a sharp-tongued widow desperate for a well-deserved promotion.
Louise's vocals are impressive though at times, she looked a little stiff in the dance numbers. Obviously talented, she captures Violet's frustrations and desire to succeed well and is immensely likeable, ensuring the entire auditorium is rooting for her.
Stephanie Chandos plays Doralee, Dolly's self-insert character, who is the object of her repugnant boss's affections and subject to sexual harassment on a daily basis.
Another impressive vocalist, Stephanie manages to perfectly capture Southern Bell charm with the humour and self-awareness that makes Dolly Parton so incredibly popular. A talented performer, she ensures her Doralee is warm and funny without becoming a caricature.
Vivian Panka completes the trio, with an angelic voice that is both powerful and soothing at once. She successfully captures newly divorced Judy's naivete and desire to prove herself, ensuring all three leads are equally strong.
The American accents are a little shaky in places but the entire cast is sublime, with support from impossibly talented dancers who ensure the energy and momentum of the show never lags.
A special mention for Julia J Nagle, who excellently plays lovestruck snitch Roz, prone to misguided yet elaborate fantasy numbers about her chauvinistic boss, played by the brilliantly repulsive Sean Needham. Every show needs a decent villain and Sean nails the inappropriate attitude of his character, with the entire auditorium rejoicing in his downfall.
This is a brilliant, fun and vibrant show that provides escapism and relevance in few blissful hours.
9 to 5 The Musical is at the Liverpool Empire until November 6. You can buy tickets here.
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