The Full Monty

The Full Monty

Bebington Dama Society

Gladstone Theatre

19/11/25

The stage version of The Full Monty is funny, and full of heart. Adapted from the beloved British film, this Bebington Drama Society production captures the same spirit of resilience and friendship, that made the movie a classic. The musical tells the story of six unemployed Sheffield steelworkers, with no job, money or prospects, they disillusioned. When the men spy their wives , and the local women, Jean (Emma Martindale), Mandy (Alice Rowlands), Sharon (Jill Eason), Bee/Annie ( Debbie Smith) at the social club run by Alan/Barry (Adam Comer) going crazy over the Chippendales a group of male strippers, an idea begins to emerge for Gaz (Des Hinks), seeing a way of earning good money, which will help to convince his wife Mandy, who  is now living with Barry, and is restricting  visiting rights to his son Nathan (Sam Eason). I need to mention the commitment of this young man Sam, he was great supporting his Dad all the way, a lovely performance. He confides in his best friend Dave (Connor Jones) who is having his own struggles surrounding his masculinity and appearance, and relationship with his wife Jean. They encounter their first recruit Lomper (Mike Jones) a security guard when steeling from the works that laid them off. Lomper had his own issues, as he was trying to hang himself from a beam.

When at the job-club run by Brian (Keith Hill) Gaz promotes his money-making idea to the members, Alf (Mike Webster) and Terry (Charlie Price). Former foreman Gerald (Graham Bond) is next to join the group, mainly due to his dance skills. Gerald is trying to keep up the façade of his success, despite struggling to keep up with the perceived expensive taste of his wife Linda (Adele Riley-Bell). The four men agree to audition former steelworker mates, they meet dodgy-hipped ‘Horse’ (Richard Eason) and we meet the confident well- endowed Guy (Che Cullen).  Let me say there was a unified intake of breath from the audience.!!  Brian (Keith Hill) began an audition, then panicked saying his son was collecting him, it was so funny, well-done Keith. Overcoming their feelings of emasculation, they all agree to form their own act (‘Bums of Steel’) a team of male strippers with ‘real man’ bodies.

Gareth Jones direction is effective, although I felt it needed more ‘umph’ and a little ‘panache’ would have added energy . There is minimal downtime between scenes, helping to maintain audience attention throughout. The lad’s choreography and pacing keep things brisk and engaging, while the stage team deserves applause for clever simple staging.  From the opening moments, their camaraderie felt real, and their journey from desperation to self-acceptance is as moving as it is hilarious.

The musical numbers are a highlight, 'You Sexy Thing' being the most well known, the Tom Jones version of ‘Keep your Hat on’ “had the audience cheering and clapping along. Underneath the humour and cheeky premise lies a surprisingly touching story about pride, vulnerability, and the courage to fight back. The six actors conveyed this wonderfully to an audience that loved their characters supporting them all the way. The infamous final scene was proof of this, with the full audience on its feet clapping and singing along.  A final lovely touch was the rest of the cast joined the audience at the front in support, magical.

Ultimately, The Full Monty is more than just a feel-good crowd-pleaser, it’s a celebration of self-worth, friendship, and the human spirit. Whether you come for the laughs, the music, or the message, you’ll leave this BDS production with a full heart and a big smile, I did.

 

Joanne Rymer

NODA

District 4

 

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