Interview: Jade Marvin on playing Violet in 9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL UK tour
9 to 5 The Musical is bringing its feel-good comedy, unforgettable songs and plenty of Dolly Parton sparkle to audiences across the country. We caught up with Jade Marvin, who stars as Violet, to chat about the production, stepping into the iconic role and what audiences can expect from this empowering musical comedy.
For anyone who may not be familiar, please can you tell us what 9 to 5 is about and why do you think it has made the jump from screen to stage so well?
9 to 5 is the story of three women who’ve had enough of being overlooked and undervalued, and they come together to overturn their boss and fight for equality and respect! I think the musical is always so well received as it has absolutely banging songs written by the icon and queen Dolly Parton (and so brilliantly re-orchestrated by Mark Crossland), and the musical is high paced and full of farcical fun! There are iconic moments such as ‘Get Out and Stay Out’ that have become theatre royalty and we live for the moment of Judy finding her power.
So many people love this musical, whether they've seen the West End production or a previous tour, or they've been in one of the many amateur productions across the country. Why do you think it's such a popular musical across the UK?
The musical is a true ensemble piece, full of lots of high intensity character acting and step out moments where many people can shine so I’m not surprised it’s a fan favourite to put on around the country. Having seen a couple of iterations of the show and now getting to perform in it, it really feels like such an electric time up on the stage with our whole cast. We are always in need of feel good musicals that provide laughs and escapism for a few hours. I feel really empowered at the end of the show and I reckon that translates through all casts and audiences alike.
How have you found your own version of Violet after so many iconic performers have played her over the years?
I think what’s really cool about this production is that we’re not trying to be any other version of this show, we’ve been allowed to find out own versions of the characters. Our director Paul Jepson wanted to explore the realities of an actual day to day office and how downbeat people are when they don’t feel listened to and have their hopes crushed. I have been lucky to have had many amazing jobs on and off stage but I can definitely relate to being in a job that I didn’t feel I had any prospects moving forward in so I’m using that in my Violet. I have realised Violet and I are very similar as we both use the hustle and bustle of life to avoid having to deal with emotional situations and we also are both dominating figures.
Which number in the show is your favourite to perform and why?
Honestly, ‘Shine Like The Sun’ is super empowering! We are all singing together as a collective and it feels like such a big sound from the 16 of us, I love it! I also love performing ‘One Of The Boys’. I get lifted by the male ensemble in that number and when our choreographer Lisa Stevens suggested it, I was so scared. I’d never been lifted before and I just had so many negative thoughts surrounding it, but Lisa was fantastic and worked with us so we felt safe. She literally taught me the basics of lifting, and now I love that moment in the number. I like showing that no matter your size or body shape you can do ALL the things, even if it initially feels scary!
Having recently performed in a huge London show and on cruise ships, what is it like to now take a show on tour?
Working in all the different mediums of this incredible theatre industry has been so brilliant and I just feel so grateful to have had so many amazing experiences through work! It’s such a blessing to say you love what you do and get to do it in lots of fun and exciting ways. I would always recommend trying out all the experiences, you never know until you try and you can always find positives even if you find the situation isn’t ideal for you. I’ve never toured before so getting to do it whilst playing such an iconic role is just the cherry on top! I’m looking forward to spending the summer in some gorgeous seaside towns and to experience things like figuring out what’s essential for my tour box and realising I’ve overpacked majorly and having to lug heavy suitcases around. It’s all part of the fun right?
You won the award for Best Supporting Female Actor in a Musical at the 2025 Black British Theatre Awards. What did this award mean to you?
It was an absolutely incredible night surrounded by Black excellence and so many people that I look up to and who inspire me. I just felt really overwhelmed to even be amongst it all really and then to win! I hadn’t even thought about winning so it was all a big surprise and excitement. I hadn’t even written a speech and probably missed out so many crucial people to thank but it was just such a gorgeous moment in my career. I felt seen and accepted by my peers and it just spurred me on to continue to try and do my best and keep working hard so I can keep making my dreams come true.
What is your favourite role you've previously played and are there any you'd love to play in the future?
It is honestly madness to look at the trifecta of strong women that I have had the privilege to portray. Aragon (SIX), Momma (Starlight Express) and now Violet (9 to 5). I really have had such great experiences with all of them, travelling the world, skating on the Royal Albert Hall stage and now bringing theatre to people who don’t always get it which I am very passionate about. In the future, I would love to play Shenzi (The Lion King), and also Nurse (&Juliet) and Becky (Waitress) would just be unreal. Anything that has a bit of crazy pizazz and a strong female character, I’d be up for it!
Why should people come and see 9 to 5 at a theatre near them this summer?
9 to 5 is a feel good musical so come down and escape with us, let our incredible cast and band whisk you away with country bops, farcical play and some fantastic entertainment. Bring your family, friends and strap in because we’re not taking orders from Mr. Hart anymore and overcoming someone who has purposefully kept you down and undermined your talents is something I know unfortunately we can all relate to. Watch us take back our power!