01/09/2026
Meet our amazing cast ✨
Introducing…Maree Hatton as Violet Newstead!
With 20 years in local theatre both on and off stage, Maree's favourite roles include Nancy in Oliver!, Alice Beineke in The Addams Family, Sarah in The Naked Truth and Morgan Le Fay in the Camelot panto.
She knew she wanted in on 9 to 5 from the moment she started reading (or, more accurately, laughing her way through) the script. It’s a show packed with female empowerment, friendship and solidarity, workplace equality and standing up to injustice, all wrapped up in something ridiculous and laugh-out-loud fun.
Maree adores playing Violet. She’s sassy, clever and one tough cookie, but kind, thoughtful and caring underneath. Sound familiar? Maree reckons it might be, just a little.
Her promise to audiences: "This show is full of laughs, it's fast paced, fun, full of fantastic music, and the people putting it together are all super talented and amazing - you won't regret seeing this show!"
_____________________________________
Introducing…Laura Rollinson as Judy Bernly!
Laura has been in musical theatre since 2010, including a run of Auckland shows (Rent, Jekyll & Hyde, Carousel, Into the Woods) and several years teaching, before a break to raise her kids. Since moving to Nelson she's back in the game, most recently with My Fair Lady last year.
Laura loves Judy - she’s sincere, sweet, a little naive, and exactly the kind of person everyone needs in their life. She has a soft spot for playing reserved characters who finally let loose and discover their own strength, which makes for a fun challenge as an extrovert. Bonus: they're both self-confessed trivia lovers.
Laura says doing this show has been pure joy: "It's lovely to be in a show that really celebrates friendship... I love how upbeat it is and how easy it is to find myself tapping my foot to the songs during the day."
Why will you love it? "It's a great bit of escapism from every day life, and you come away feeling like you can take on the world. It's the perfect show to see with friends!"
_____________________________________
Introducing…Kameta as Doralee!
Kameta has been on stage since she was eight or nine, cutting her teeth with Soundstage before landing roles in Beauty and the Beast, Mamma Mia, Macbeth, Disenchanted, Ghost, Little Women and most recently That Bloody Woman. A stint living in Australia even saw her complete a Howard Fine Arts course and pick up some background acting work before she came home to finish her Social Work degree.
After That Bloody Woman, Kameta told herself she couldn't possibly fit another show in around studying, placement and work… and then 9 to 5 was announced, and she simply had to be part of it.
She reckons she and Doralee share a fiery, protective streak. Doralee might be misunderstood, but she's fierce when it comes to the people she loves.
Kameta can't wait for you to meet this cast: "The amount of talented people we have in this cast is beyond my wildest dreams. It is so funny, uplifting and hopeful. Don't miss out!"
_____________________________________
Introducing…Nate as Franklin Hart!
Musical theatre newcomer Nate is stepping well out of his comfort zone for 9 to 5. His performing background stretches back to a couple of school plays, and that's about it. He's using this show to make new friends and get comfortable on stage… by playing thoroughly uncomfortable company boss Hart.
Nate will happily tell you he dislikes Hart intensely, but that's exactly the fun of it. He's relishing every chance to play the villain, and especially relishing the moment Hart finally gets his karma.
Expect a laugh riot: Nate says, "This show is hilarious. There isn't a dull scene the entire show."
_____________________________________
Introducing…Di Duncan as Roz!
Di is thrilled to be back in a musical after stepping onto the Nelson stage as Liz in The Tank earlier this year. Before that, her last show was way back at the start of her performing days, some 43 years ago. Being surrounded by such talented, seasoned castmates in a big, crowd-pleasing comedy like 9 to 5 feels, in her words, so good.
Di doesn't dislike Roz so much as she feels for her. Underneath the obsessive devotion is a deeply loyal, passionate and loving woman: she's just, rather foolishly and ludicrously, poured all that affection into exactly the wrong guy.
Wondering what to expect? Di promises: "It's a show with everything. Comedy, drama, song, dance. Big solo numbers with full ensemble backing. Quick-fire dialogue leading into fantastic, dramatic song performances."