The Full Monty

I’m sure most of us are familiar with the “feel good” film of “The Full Monty”.  The musical is set in America (as opposed to the film which is set in Sheffield) but is based on the 1997 film.

The story is about six guys - laid off from the steel plant - who end up as “strippers” to earn some much needed cash. 

Each of these six guys were fantastic in their characterisations, and brought so much humour and pathos to their characters.  Their American accents never slipped and their diction through dialogue and music was excellent.  

Massive congratulations to Darren Smith (Jerry), Adam Gregory (Dave), Colin Waterman (Harold), Joel George (Horse), Lee Cannon (Malcolm) and Will Sadler (Ethan).  It is so difficult to single out any particular performances – you all displayed fantastic “team work” and friendship on stage.  Dare I say you were all “outstanding”!!!

The show is about so much more than “stripping” to earn some money – it’s about friendships, relationships, love, heartache, unemployment (and all that goes with it), not forgetting the lengths you would go to for your kids and all of these issues were strongly evident throughout.  It was a very emotional production which had you laughing your socks off one minute, and then drying your tears the next.

Supporting the six main characters was a very strong cast and ensemble with Alison Smith (Georgie), Libby Megson (Pam), Sam Ball (Vicki) showing us some very tender moments, dealing with all the “fall out” problems that their “men” brought home with them.

Mollie Williams (Jeanette) and David Hollis (Nathan) (also played by Alex Conlon on alternate shows) played these 2 crucial characters brilliantly. 

Notable songs for me were Joel George (Horse) with his rendition of “Big Black Man”, and the very touching duet “You Walk With Me”, between Lee Cannon (Malcolm) and Will Sadler (Ethan) during the funeral scene.  

This whole production moved at a brilliant pace with cleverly devised, swift scene changes that didn't intrude on the action on stage.  Superb lighting along with a brilliantly devised set created the right mood for each scene. 

The whole audience gasped in amazement when the lights went up and “Malcolm” was sat in his car, centre stage...given the limitations of Guiseley Theatre it was a sight to behold!  This scene had the audience howling with laughter – well done Darren, Adam and Lee on your brilliant comedy timing.

The orchestra, under the superb direction of Cathy Sweet played brilliantly throughout and didn’t drown out the singing of the musical numbers.  This is so important when you still need to follow the wordy dialogue and songs with an American accent in particular – so many words can just get swallowed up, but not in this production.  Everything came across loud and clear.

Complimented by excellent costumes of the era (oh how I remember those fashions!), props and sound this was an excellent evenings entertainment, which certainly left the audience wanting more!

The main thing that struck me overall about this production was the whole “team effort” feel that it had to it – both on stage and off.  I think that certainly for the 6 guys who did “go all the way” – they came into this show not knowing each other at all, and they will be leaving this show the very best of friends.

Congratulations David, Ted & Cathy on a superb production!

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