The Full Monty

The stage version of The Full Monty was based on the unexpectedly successful film of the same name and had its world premiere in San Diego in July 2000. Although the setting was changed from Sheffield to Buffalo in the US, the story is much the same: six unemployed steel workers with little cash and fewer prospects see their wives’ enthusiasm for a touring Chippendales show and decide they can make some money by going one better and doing the “full monty”.

Of course, the show is best remembered for the iconic strip scene at the end, but there is much more to it than that. The director and cast bring out the story that is cleverly woven into it, clearly portraying the desperation and insecurity of men who've been thrown on the scrapheap, trying to survive and regain their self-respect. The show is a wonderfully heart-warming mixture of sadness and raucous humour, with some very touching scenes, well-defined characters, and memorable music and lyrics.

Tony Bryant gives real warmth and emotion to the part of organiser Jerry – behind with his maintenance payments but desperate not to be excluded from his son’s life. He demonstrates a fine singing voice in all of his numbers, but his song “Breeze off the River”, sung to his son, is really moving. Max Wallace excels as his son Nathan. His self-assurance is quite remarkable and he more than holds his own amongst the adult actors, maintaining a good accent and probably relishing the chance to swear on stage!

Robert Day is perfect as Dave Bukatinsky, who has lost all self-confidence and is concerned about his weight. His part in the song “You Rule My World”, where he addresses his stomach is so touching. Also touching is the blossoming relationship between Malcolm and Ethan, beautifully portrayed by Tony Johnson and Mark Gaizley. Their duet “You Walk With Me”, for my money, is the best in the show and was a joy to listen to. Jim Apted really got our sympathy for disliked former boss Harold, desperately hiding his redundancy from his spendthrift wife, Vicki, played with great spark by Jaqueline Willis. Tosin Ajayi played Horse with great humour and style, relieved to be handing over the mantle of the “Big Black Man” to a poor white boy. He demonstrated a fine singing voice along the way too. The men were ably supported by Daniel Coghlan as professional stripper Keno Walsh and Jason Christopher as Reg Willoughby and club owner Tony Giordino.

All of the women are portrayed as strong, capable characters, working hard to keep their families afloat. Georgina-Rose Rust, as Dave’s wife Georgie, carefully balanced her raucous behaviour with the other women, with her love and sympathy for Dave. Kayleigh Pendry, as Jerry’s ex-wife Pam, gave us an equally strong character – not without sympathy for his situation, but determined to move on with her life. Strongest of all was Jeanette Broad as the world-weary, eight times married pianist (also Jeanette) who turns up to accompany the boys as they rehearse their act. Her great facial expressions and appearing with a banana as Ethan revealed his ‘sparkle’ showed a wonderful grasp of comedy and timing. Her powerful song “Jeanette’s Showbiz Number” was a great opening for act two.

A sparse stage with just an industrial scene backcloth was supplemented by trucks and props where required – efficiently moved by the costumed stage crew. Lighting was atmospheric and ended with a big blaze of light at the crucial moment to preserve the strippers’ modesty. The band, under the capable baton of Andrew Woodford, produced a lovely brassy sound and although loud, as they needed to be, never overwhelmed the singers, thanks to the crystal clear sound system.

It's a brave man who reveals all in front of an audience, but talking to people who’ve played these roles before, it’s not just the characters who find stripping liberating the actors can too. I hope you all enjoy the rest of the run of this wonderful, liberating and life-affirming show – the first night audience certainly had a ball (no pun intended).

Cast of the Full Monty after the first night performance - with NODA President Nick Lawrence and Regional Councillor Kay Rowan.

 

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.