BLOC Presents 9 to 5 | October 14 - 17 October 2026

There was a real buzz inside Bournemouth Pavilion as 9 to 5 The Musical opened in the town last night, bringing the much-loved story, Dolly Parton’s music and plenty of 1970s colour to one of Bournemouth’s most iconic venues.

With an audience clearly excited to see the story brought to life on stage, the atmosphere was lively from the start. The historic Pavilion made a fitting backdrop for a production that is bright, colourful and full of energy.

Presented by BBLOC, 9 to 5 The Musical is based on the much-loved 1980 film starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin. Their performance follows a funny and increasingly chaotic story of friendship, confidence and three women deciding that things at work need to change.

At the centre of the story are Violet, Judy and Doralee, three colleagues facing their own challenges both inside and outside the office.

Their shared frustration with their boss, Franklin Hart Jr., eventually brings them together, and what begins as a fantasy about getting their own back on him soon turns into something much bigger.

For anyone familiar with the original film, there are plenty of recognisable elements to enjoy. But you certainly don't need to have seen it before to understand what's happening.

The story is easy to follow, the characters are distinctive and, underneath the comedy, there are themes of friendship, workplace inequality and finding the confidence to stand up for yourself.

And, of course, Dolly Parton's music is a major part of it all, including the unmistakable title song, 9 to 5.

What really came across on the night was the energy.

From the colourful costumes and busy office scenes to the larger musical numbers, there's always plenty happening on stage. The 1970s setting gives the production an instantly recognisable look, while the music and choreography keep things moving.

That energy was matched by the audience. There was a genuine sense of excitement around seeing a familiar story brought to the stage in Bournemouth, with plenty of laughter and reaction throughout the evening.

The Pavilion itself adds something to the experience too. Opened in 1929, the Grade II listed theatre remains one of Bournemouth's most recognisable entertainment venues, and seeing a large local production take over its stage is a reminder of the role it continues to play in the town's cultural life.

There's a nice contrast between the Pavilion's historic surroundings and the bold, colourful world of 9 to 5 on stage, and on opening night, the theatre certainly felt alive.

While the title track is inevitably one of the most recognisable parts of the show, 9 to 5 has more to it than its Dolly Parton connection.

The relationship between Violet, Judy and Doralee is at the heart of the story, and watching their friendship develop gives the production some of its warmer moments amongst the comedy.

The subject matter also remains surprisingly recognisable. Sexism in the workplace, being overlooked professionally and trying to balance work with life outside it are all part of a story originally created more than four decades ago.

The musical approaches those themes with plenty of humour and deliberately larger-than-life moments, so it never becomes too heavy. Ultimately, it's a feel-good story about friendship, confidence and changing a workplace that isn't working for the people in it.

The production is presented by Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company (BBLOC), bringing together local performers and creatives for a full-scale musical at the Pavilion.

That local connection makes the production feel particularly at home here. Bournemouth regularly welcomes touring shows and major productions, but 9 to 5 is a reminder of the talent that exists within the area too, with a local company taking on a well-known musical and bringing it to one of the town's biggest stages.

From the cast and musicians to the choreography, costumes, staging and work happening behind the scenes, it's a real team effort to bring the world of 9 to 5 to life.

Seeing that work come together inside the Pavilion added to the atmosphere of the evening. It felt like more than simply another show arriving in Bournemouth; it was a local production being enjoyed in a venue that has been part of the town's entertainment scene for generations.

If you're after a fun night at the theatre, 9 to 5 is an easy show to enjoy.

It's colourful, upbeat and doesn't take itself too seriously, with enough comedy and familiar music to keep things accessible even if you're not a regular musical-theatre audience member.

Fans of the original film will have the added enjoyment of seeing a familiar story recreated on stage, while newcomers can simply enjoy it as a lively musical comedy in one of Bournemouth's most historic venues.

Most importantly, it feels like a proper night out at the theatre, and judging by the atmosphere inside the Pavilion, the Bournemouth audience was more than ready for it.

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