There was an air
oestrogen smothered excitement that enveloped this packed out New Victoria
Theatre for the opening night of The Full Monty.
Based on the
smash-hit 1997 film, Stephen Beaufoy’s adaptation leads the audience through
the trials and tribulations of a group of working class men, on the dole and
looking to make a quick buck as wannabe strippers!
Set against a
backdrop of the once successful steel works, this production packs a good
visual punch throughout with impressive set, effects and a soundtrack fizzing
with memories and emotion.
For a story that
is so well known and approaching 20 years old, the themes resonate strongly,
particularly the underlying tension of the post-Thatcher era still ringing in
the ears of the British public. It was a startling reminder and realisation of
how far we haven’t come. Hard working families are struggling to stay afloat
and it is this message that carries the audience from start to finish.
The relationship
between Gaz (Gary Lucy) and his opinionated young son Nathan (Raif Clarke) is
believable and honest and provides enough heart and realism to stop this production
being just a comedy for just the female members of the audience. It is a coming
of age performance for Lucy who retains enough
The first half
felt a touch long and really stepped up a gear with the arrival of Horse,
played by Louis Emerick, whose energy helped bring act one to a climactic end.
Bobby Schofield shone as sexually confused Lomper who really grew alongside
Rupert Hill’s Guy and the other men in his stripping troupe.
Andrew Dunn
brought strength and maturity to the cast as choreographer Gerald and there
were cheers aplenty for Dave (Martin Miller) as he overcame his fears and took
to the stage. The strong lead cast were well supported by a talented ensemble
that moved seamlessly from role to role and special praise
This quality
production was focused, played to its strengths and took the audience on a
journey and rewarded them with a high-energy finale which gave more than a few
of the audience an eye-full they won’t forget in a hurry! If they tightened up
the first half, which will come as the run continues, The Full Monty on stage
looks set to rival the film for popularity and longevity.
Review by Andy Edmeads
Rating: ★★★★
Cast includes: Gary Lucy, Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick, Rupert Hill, Martin Miller, Bobby Schofield, Liz Carney, Stephen Donald, Phillip Knight, David MacCreedy, Andy McSorley, Laura Mould, Jo Mousley, Kate Wood, Raif Clarke, Fraser Kelly, Evan McKevitt and Cameron Stenhouse
