The Full Monty

I have seen this show a couple of times now and really like the varied  music and the story which most people know from the film but the stage version is set in Buffalo, New York rather than Sheffield.

The set worked well with three sided trucks which folded in and out to create differing scenes from male toilets to front doors for houses and clubs and with good use of props other scenes such as Harold’s front room and rehearsal venues were transformed.  The lighting plot worked well and most importantly was operated well especially in the final scene. The sound was good but sometimes especially with full company numbers the balance with the 12 piece Orchestra was overpowering which stopped the lyrics to those numbers being heard by the audience which in this show are very important. The hair and costumes (modern day) suited the characters.

The Ensemble characters were well portrayed and the ensemble numbers sounded great. The choreography was well thought through and looked extremely effective. I loved “Michael Jordan’s Ball”, “Life with Harold” and “Big Black Man” all of which required very different choreography. Well done Jane.

The casting was great and each character was near perfect for me. The direction, blocking, entrances and exits and use of a full sized small car for one scene added to the story.

The cast were fabulous and a special mention for Max Fletcher who played Nathan the son of Jerry. Max delivered his lines beautifully with clear diction and a good accent. He was never overshadowed by the adult performers and delivered a touching, funny and very natural performance. Well done Max.

The females in the supporting cast all looked and sounded the parts and all characterised well. Felicity Pretsell played Georgie who opens the show as she compere’s a Chippendale’s style evening for her female friends. Her scenes with Dave were touching and she had wonderful vocal on her numbers. Great to see you back Felicity.

Claire Egerton put in a nice performance as the frustrated ex wife of Jerry who now has a new partner and is trying to do the best for her son Nathan. Her scenes with Jerry were very believable and very touching with her son.

Emily Clarke as Vicki the wife of Harold put in a great performance and her vocals were fabulous. The reprise of “You Rule My World” with Felicity Pretsell was beautiful.

Elaine Thomson was great as Jeanette the accompanist at the rehearsals and “Jeanettes Showbiz Number” was brilliant. Her gravelly voice and style was spot on for this character.

The male supporting cast played many roles and characterised those parts well. The six male leads were brilliantly cast and delivered their parts with touching sincerity.

I understand Nigel Dias playing Horse has never performed shows before. He was great and danced and sang with a natural style that so suits this character. Liam Bunka was hilarious as Ethan the youngest of the troupe who thinks he can do the dancing up the walls thing perfected by Donald O’Connor in Singin’ in the Rain but is keen in every scene to get naked. A great characterisation Liam.

Ben Drane was absolutely brilliant as Malcolm the nerd with no friends who is socially awkward, lives with his mum and loves musicals. Never out of character Ben was great in this role with clear diction, great stage presence and gorgeous vocals. I loved “You Walk With Me” and Ben’s falsetto on this number was stunning.

Rob Haslam was a wonderful Harold, nervous and uncomfortable at being made redundant in case his wife found out. Again a great performance and super vocals.

Ian Bennett played Dave with a mix of humour and self loathing which fitted the role so well. Sitting in his cling film eating a Snickers bar was a great scene and again Ian has fabulous vocals.

The lead in this show is Jerry played with a natural style by Samuel Maurice. The mastermind behind the plan who then struggles to carry it through, this portrayal was touching as he fights to keep joint custody of his son. Samuel had super vocals, stage presence and angst which worked fabulously for this character. His scenes with Max as Nathan were touching, with Ian as Dave were usually funny and with his ex wife normally fraught and desperate and Samuel filled these changes in character with ease. His vocals worked well on the varied numbers and I loved “Big Ass Rock” and “Breeze off the River”. Another great performance Sam.

Having said at the beginning of this review that I have seen this show a few times this was definitely the best production of this show that I have seen. There wasn’t a weak link in the casting and the production, set and choreography added to the talent on stage. Well done.

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