The Full Monty

MUSICAL THEATRE STAFFORD – THE FULL MONTY

The Full Monty as a musical was a new show to me MTS have brought a surprisingly thought provoking and highly humorous show to the stage, some beautifully poignant moments between the leading characters trying to meet their relevant partners expectations whilst battling with the highly emotional inner turmoils of being unemployed and unemployable in the world.

There were so many small back stories within the show all plausible and just plain down to earth real. The emasculation of not being the breadwinner, feeling completely useless an unwanted to these blue collar men was quite heart wrenching at times, the relationships with wives and families was portrayed by all of the cast extremely well.

We meet Jerry Lukowski, Dan Tillsley, strong believable performance, torn between his dignity and the stress of potentially losing his visiting custody of his son Nathan, beautifully portrayed by Oscar Hill.

Dave Bukatinsky, portrayed by Tim Cooper, again feeling unworthy, unable to be close with his wife, dealing with his love of food, stark realisations of his life choices, Tim came across really, really well.

Will Wood as the well educated Harold Nichols, former plant manager, too afraid to tell his wife he was unemployed and still living as if he wasn't, doting and lavishing gifts and trips on her rather than face the reality of pending repomen, the steadying influence on the group.

Sam Parton as Malcolm Macgregor, still living at home caring for his frail infirm mother, the despair and turmoil, though humorously played was there for all to see, a really good performance.

The guys decide to raise much needed money by giving the ladies of Buffalo a night to remember, with a one off Real Men Striptease show, completing their line up with Mark Cooper as Ethan Girard and Duke Young as Noah 'Horse' T Simmons.

Again very strong performances from the all of the ladies of the cast, the dealing with the emotions from their partners, the fact in some cases that their partners had deeply hidden emotions and how they came to terms with new aspects to their relationships was brilliantly portrayed and conveyed by Emily-Jayne Nicholls, Kellymarie Edwards and Helen-Sian Tisdale as Pam Lukowski, Vicki Nichols and Georgie Bukatinsky respectively.

Not wanting to single any of the ladies out as they were all of a high standard I must however mention the mesmerising performance, of the force of nature that is Tracey Brough-Chesters as Jeanette Burmeister. The facial expressions, the comic asides, wonderful to watch.

Good use of the cast in the auditorium especially before the show opened. Great singing throughout with some amusing lyrics with big familiar musical hints to classic hit songs in the music at times.

Director Craig Armstrong is the epitome of a safe pair of hands in the role he does so very well. What he brings out of his performers is a confidence and relateable belief which transfers seamlessly to the audience. He has an all encompassing vision in his creative process of direction.

Compliments to Laura Foxcroft, whose Musical Directorship really shone, the exceptional playing from the superb eleven piece band, particularly the tight accent stabs punctuating the on stage action, was a high light to an already excellent show.

Sound was well balanced and well mixed, lighting excellent. Costumes were well thought out. Spartan but extremely effective scenery created the right mood throughout.

A fabulous show all round.

 

 

 

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