I should have taken notice of the warning signs. The heavy traffic build-up around Hurst Street; the throng of excited crowds outside the Hippodrome; the rising crescendo of animated - and expectant - chatter in a packed auditorium and .... the largely female dominated audience.  | | The cast |
And then the curtain went up and with it the opening announcement - "Welcome to Ladies Night!" The shrieking, screeching and howling began, and barely abated for the next two and half hours. I suddenly felt like an interloper at a Hen Night! But then I should have known what to expect. After all I had seen the hugely triumphant British film version at least three or four times, so I knew what it was all about. But while the women were (largely) all eager to have their own particular curiosities satisfied, my desire was to see just how successfully the film could be transferred to the stage. I wasn't disappointed. Come to think of it, neither were the ladies! Screen to stage For years it's been the stage musicals that have come first with the film version following; The Full Monty is an exception - and what's more, an exceptional one! For make no mistake this is one excellent production. It sticks closely to the original storyline; it's hugely witty; combines pathos and drama and clearly has the audience on its side from the very start. In short - just like the film - it's a joyous winner. Forget that the action is re-located from Sheffield, England to Buffalo, New York State, America - once you've quickly re-adjusted and aligned yourselves with the change of accent from Tyke to Yank, it could be anywhere in the world. It's a universal storyline. Six steelworkers out of work and out of shape and strapped for cash. In an attempt to regain some morsel of self dignity they come up with the bright idea of taking their clothes off - to earn a quick buck. When times are hard, folk it seems, will do anything - providing they have camaraderie, trust and plenty of guts and determination. Breath-taking pace The drama is played out at a breathtaking pace, supported in no small way by David Yazbek's original score and lyrics, and some brilliant choreography throughout. The first half finale featuring the six would-be-dance strippers is absolutely brilliant, as they discover the best way to their new found art is via a pretend basketball court. Breathtaking stuff at the end of a half which, at almost ninety minutes, could benefit from a little tightening up. Tim Rogers, last seen at the Hippodrome back in November 2001 in Whistle Down the Wind, returns triumphantly in the lead role of Jerry (Robert Carlyle's part in the film). On that occasion he played The (anonymous) Man. This time there's absolutely no anonymity for him - and a chance to prove he's very much "a man!" His touching scenes as a part-time father to Nathan - played with such young excellence by Edward Molony - were both heart-warming and at times humorous. Full marks to both! But for me - and judging by the end of a show applause, for many others too - it's big Sion Lloyd who takes the star billing as overweight Dave. Looking like a cross between Norm in "Cheers" and the late John Candy, he gives a powerful, and self-pitying performance. Notable was his solo rendition of "You rule My World", a touching love song to his own vast beer gut! ("I did try dieting once," he mourns "But I got hungry .....!") Alex Gaumond is a suitably nerdy Malcolm, while Gareth Snook is perfect as the pompous Harold, the former boss-turned dance tutor who's trying to hide his job loss from his spendthrift wife. Completing the "dream team" are David Danns as Horse (His "Big Black Man" song and dance routine is another show highlight) and Ethan Girard as Nigel. In a strong cast of 24, there's one other worthy of special mention and that's Jacqueline Clarke who makes a brilliantly comic job of her role as Jeanette, the ageing rehearsal pianist who's apparently played with best, and is now well past her own best... It's a marvellous over-the top performance. Damn good fun  | | Poster for The Full Monty |
The show is touching, funny, raunchy and above all, damn good fun. The music, while not memorable (maybe something to do with the mis-balance between the orchestra and the singer?) does have its tender moments, most notably Jerry's powerful ballad "Breeze off the River" and the emotive "You Walk With Me" as Malcolm and Ethan pay their graveside respects to Malcolm's mother. Then of course there's the big moment - the Full Monty itself which brings both the curtain and the house down. It's all done in the best possible taste - but more than that I'm not going to say. You'll just have to see it for yourselves. I'm sure you won't be disappointed - whether you're man or woman!
Now read a female perspective in another review of The Full Monty » | 
