Reviews

It has to be admitted, I didn't really know what to expect with a show like this. But I was thoroughly entertained by the performance, despite a few first night nerves and technical problems, some of which even drew applause!

The storyline was fairly close to that of the film, although it was set in America, which I thought reduced the level of realism and some accents were less than convincing.

Strong performances

The best performance of the night was definitely Alan Flay, whose portrayal of the 'Mummy's Boy' Malcolm was a masterpiece of comedic timing and character acting, not to mention delivery of the best song of the night.

Creditable performances came from Jonathan Mudd and David Crane, the two main characters, whose relationship problems were well portrayed and extremely funny in places.

Thirteen-year-old James Dean (there's a name from the past!) played the part of the boy torn between his separated parents, and as this is his first principal role, it was very well accomplished.

These male parts (no pun intended!) were well balanced by some strong female roles, notably Samantha Horsfield, whose singing voice was exceptional, and Margaret Mudd.

Margaret Mudd performed some brilliant asides and had shades of Maureen Lipman at her ironical best (although the 'oxymorons' were a bit rushed, and I didn't catch the meaning).

On the whole, the show covered many common ailments in today's society, including redundancy, broken and failing marriages, repressed homosexuality and even bereavement, and an over-riding sexual innuendo that was not overpowering, given the storyline.

However, I did feel there was slightly too much swearing for my liking, which was at times not necessary for the circumstances.

Something for the boys

The many 'girls nights out' groups didn't have it all their own way though, and the surprising number of men in the audience were treated to a stockings and suspenders chorus number in a dream scene.

There were enough bare bums to shake a stick at, but I won't spoil the surprise of the finale, just say that its difficult to know where to hide the radio mic battery packs!
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The Full Monty is at the Spa Pavilion until Saturday 13 October 2007. Call the box office for ticket details: 01394 282 126.

BBC Radio Suffolk is a media partner for the production.