The Full Monty

This was the first time I had seen the stage adaptation of the well know film of the same name. Whilst sticking to the story of the film very closely there is one significant difference with the action now being set in Buffalo, New York rather than Sheffield, England.

Despite this the show was funny, moving and thought provoking in equal measure. The show requires a strong group of male principals and Johnstone Phoenix Theatre Group were fortunate to have been able to assemble such a group. In the lead role of Jerry Lukowski (Paul McWilliams) gave an assured performance as the father struggling to provide for his son Nathan played to great effect by John Steel. Barry Orr as Dave Bukatinsky brought out the comedy of his character as well as generating a great deal of sympathy as he struggles with the idea that anyone would want to see him strip. Daniel McDonald (Malcolm MacGregor) and Terence McGee (Ethan Girard) worked well together as the unlikely couple of the group with some very touching scenes as they struggled with all that life had thrown at them. Alex Long (Harold Nichols) and Iain McLellan (Noah (Horse) T. Simmons) completed the line-up of “strippers” bringing out all the nuances of each character providing some extremely funny moments.

Mhairi Heron (Georgie Bukatinsky), Shiranne Burns (Pam Lukowski) and Jillian McCall (Vicki Nichols) were well cast against their respective husbands and greatly added to both the humour and the emotion of the show in equal measure. Carol McLaughlan as the “rarely sober” rehearsal pianist was at her very best never missing an opportunity for a laugh which was greatly enhanced by her outrageous outfits.

All the other minor principals supported by the strong chorus added greatly to the show and it was obvious they were all enjoying themselves. Director Roy McGregor ensured the show moved along at a good pace and this was helped by a clever fixed set. Although the songs from the show are not well know they really helped to enhance the show and MD Andrew Scott and his well-balanced band never over powered soloists or chorus. Fiona McGregor had obviously worked hard with both principals and chorus and the choreography was appropriate and added to the overall enjoyment.

Well done to all concerned on and off stage for a great afternoon of musical theatre at its best. Congratulations on celebrating your 55thanniversary by “going all the way” and achieving the Full Monty.

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