David Hasselhoff wows in Dolly Parton’s hilarious 9 to 5 as sexist boss
DAVID Hasselhoff has found a role that fits him like a glove - it almost makes me forget he was in Baywatch.
But as I watch him suspended from the theatre ceiling in bondage gear I wonder if I'll ever erase this new image of him in my head.
Casting the Hoff as Franklin Hart Junior a sexist CEO was a bold move from creator Dolly Parton and one that just works.
From yelling profanities at workers while making sexist jokes to chasing Doralee - one of the female leads - round in an attempt to seduce her, he is hilarious.
9 to 5 follows three female employees turn the tables on their vile boss and make the company, Consolidation, a nicer place to work with just a few illegal acts along the way.
It's a catchy soundtrack and the show is filled with innuendo and perfectly timed comic lines and performances.
Hasselhoff fits in seamlessly with the rest of the cast and is in his element as he gyrates around his office and sings about wanting to start his affair.
He might not be the best singer, but he knows how to make up for it with enthusiasm and great stage presence.
Plus he knows how to look shocked when the tables are turned and his ageing assistant Roz Keith (played by Bonnie Langford) attempts to seduce him in a hilarious routine which sees her strip down to lingerie.
It's certainly a star casting - something the musical is known for after having Amber Davies and Louise Redkanpp in playing Judy Bernly and Violent Newsted.
He's supported by a wonderful cast with Caroline Sheen as leading lady Violet and Natalie McQueen as Doralee Rhodes.
The performance I saw didn't include the show's usual Judy (Chelsea Halfpenny). Instead we saw Rhiane Drummond step into Judy's shoes.
Taking over must be nerve wracking but she was incredible, her and Hasselhoff worked brilliantly as a pairing in the second act and her singing voice was mesmerising.
In what was an otherwise flawless production - the only blip was when they hit a technical hitch shortly after the second act started.
After a few minutes the show was back up and running and you could almost forget that there was a gap.
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9 to 5
The Savoy Theatre, London
★★★★☆
9 to 5 is booking in the West End until 2020 and will go on a UK tour next year.
It currently stars Caroline Sheen, Chelsea Halfpenny, Natalie McQueen, David Hasselhoff and Bonnie Langford.