YOUNG actors are set to tumble out of bed and stumble onto the stage as they bring a 1970s Dolly Parton hit to life.
Students at Northallerton School and Sixth Form College are taking care of business as they put the finishing touches to their show stopping production of the iconic musical 9 to 5.
The stage play, featuring music and lyrics by the Oscar, Tony and Grammy award winning country star, is based on the hit 1980 movie, which looks at friendship, gossip, revenge, sexism and women’s equality in the workplace.
The original girl power tale follows the story of three office workers who plan to take revenge on their sexist, lying boss.
Students Sophie McGlynn, Thea Crocker and Eleanor Reynolds, will take on the leading roles of Violet, Judy and Doralee, played by Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton in the original film score, with Connor Miles playing egotistical CEO Franklin Hart, Jr.
Thea, 17, of Romanby, said: “This is the fourth major school production I’ve taken part in and I love how performing brings students from all year groups together.
“It has been quite challenging learning all of the musical numbers as well as our lines but it’s been such fun and wearing the 1970s outfits has been hilarious.”
Sophie, 18, added: “We’ve been scouring E-Bay for authentic clothing from the decade and we’ve managed to get some really awful, but authentic, costumes.”
A cast of 25 students and ten backstage technicians will bring the satirical musical to life from March 20 to March 22 in the Northallerton School and Sixth Form College performance hall.
Head of expressive arts Neil Stimson said: “Although 9 to 5 is a classic movie, I’ve been avidly avoiding watching any of the clips on You Tube so we don’t just recreate a carbon copy of the film; our version will be unique with students giving it their very own slant.
“Even though the musical is set in the late 1970s the story of friendship and women’s empowerment in the workplace is still very relevant today, especially with the recent ‘Me Too’ campaign, and I hope will portray a very positive message of art reflecting life.
“We have some incredibly talented young performers and a great ensemble who I am sure will bring the play to life.”
Tickets are available from the school reception for £9 with concessions available at £5. Refreshments will also be available.