The Full Monty

The Full Monty is most well known as the smash hit 1997 English-made budget film set in Sheffield. Emotions ranging from sad to funny, many found it thought-provoking and daring – was a film not to miss. This Americanised musical stage version (adapted from the British film) tells of six unemployed Buffalo steelworkers, low on both cash and prospects. After seeing their wives’ enthusiasm for a touring company of Chippendales, decide an ideal way out of their woes is to present a strip act at a local club. One of them, Jerry, declares that their show will be better than the Chippendales dancers because they’ll go “the full monty” ‘ strip all the way. As they prepare for the show, working through their fears, self-consciousness and anxieties; they overcome their inner demons and find strength in their camaraderie. Having watched a production locally about a year ago, I was sadly disappointed. Something was lost in hearing the American accents and it did not have the same emotions as the film. Thankfully this production had everything that had been missing. A great show – the full gamut of emotions whilst maintaining a fast pace. The whole cast were amazing. The singing range of the men in particular was just superb.
The six men – Jerry Lukowski (Dane Norris), Dave Bukatinsky (Jamie Lückers), Malcolm MacGregor (Charlie Frame), Harold Nichols (Ian Booker), Noah ‘Horse’ T.Simmons (Jay Massiah and Ethan Girard (Matt Harris) were all markedly different characters and so believable and interesting to watch. There was some great interaction between the characters – especially on sighting of ‘Ethan’s’ ‘bottom’ when he dropped his trousers!
The three wives (Cheryl Parris, Caroline Bennett, Vickki Beale) were perfectly cast with an excellent performance worth mentioning from Vikki during the dance scene. Jeanette Burmeister (Chrissie Lester) was superbly funny and, of course mustn’t forget Nathan Lukowski (Max Hewitt) who acted extremely well as the long suffering son of Jerry. The whole cast supported the main roles outstandingly well; with well-chosen dancing and singing routines and costumes adding to te overall effect.
The set was simple, yet small but effective changes gave us all the right impressions of where the action was taking place. I would happily watch the show again so congratulations must be passed onto Director Kate Bennett, Musical Director Matt Greaves, the band and the crew. Thank you for a great evening!

• Type: admin
• Performance Date: 12/11/2011
• Star rating: 12345