The Full Monty

At a time when some Societies are finding it difficult to persuade more than a handful of men to occupy a few places in the chorus, it was a brave decision to choose a show which required at least seven of them to thrust themselves into the bright lights centre stage.  The choice was fully justified and all of them contributed to a very entertaining evening, thoroughly enjoyed by a very enthusiastic audience which filled the venue. 

This musical version of the original film is set in Buffalo, rather than Sheffield, but the story of unemployed steelworkers remains.  There were some excellent performances as each developed their own character with his own share of problems and I particularly enjoyed David Lee who showed all the pathos which the role of Malcolm requires.  Nor must we forget the ladies who, although having little to do in this show, made the most of their opportunities and clearly enjoyed showing us some outrageous costumes which the Wardrobe Department had put together.  Linda Brown as Jeanette, the pianist who claims to have seen better days, delivered her song with great feeling.

But it is, of course, for the performances of the men for which this show will be remembered. Sam Glover’s impressive opening routine as the “professional” stripper engrossed the ladies from the start, particularly those in the front row who were not afraid of showing their appreciation and encouragement throughout the evening.                 

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