The Full Monty (Tour – Manchester)
The hit film The Full Monty made over £50 million at the UK Box Office and many its scenes have become iconic – from the "Hot Stuff" Dole queue moments through to the famous strip at the end, so it's no wonder that writer Simon Beaufoy has revisited his original story and adapted it for the stage.
Set in Sheffield at the end of Margaret Thatcher's era, the play highlights everything from sexual politics, the effects of unemployment, poverty, depression, body image and homosexuality. There is no hammering home of issues/topics here though, as the reason why the film was such a hit – is the mix of poignancy and comedy that arises from these situations. This is evident on stage too, for example, we laugh as one character cannot seem to hang himself, due to the knots he is using.
We follow out of work dad – Gaz (a game Gary Lucy), his son Nathan, overweight Dave (marvellous Martin Miller), lonely Lomper (brilliant Bobby Schofield), Gerald (Andrew Dunn) – who is living a lie, Horse – who is not hung like one (Louis Emerick) and gregarious Guy (an excellent Rupert Hill) who has something that Horse lacks, as they attempt to make cash from becoming male strippers.
Director Roger Haines ensures that fans of the film get enough time reliving their favourite moments from the film, but there is also enough going here for anyone who has not seen it. The only problem in the first half is the pace, as the opening few scenes feel slightly redundant and drag the piece and makes you look at your watch.
Luckily though, once Rupert Hill and Louis Emerick arrives as auditionees, the pace picks up and the pair of them leave the audience with a huge smile on their face. There are plenty of sad moments too, watching one hopeful strip to "Je'Taime" in a totally desperate state is heartbreaking and shows you why Beaufoy's piece is such a classic.
The entire cast are terrific – Gary Lucy's accent may waver slightly but he convinces that he is a caring dad, as opposed to a loveable loser, Bobby Schofield and Rupert Hill make a touching double act and their story is handled sensitively and it's beautifully played by both of them. Andrew Dunn is great at one liners and Emerick dances up a storm, even with a walking stick. Martin Miller is also excellent as Dave – the guy with low self esteem, due to weight problems.
The second half gathers speed and leads you to the (in)famous full reveal at the end, which will leave you smiling. With the wonderful film Pride out now, the musical Made in Dagenham on the way, and now The Full Monty on tour – this is proof if needed that we Brits can laugh and cry at ourselves with equal measure – whilst dealing with injustice.
"Hot Stuff", indeed!
The Full Monty is at the Manchester Opera House until 20 September and continues touring the UK.
For full tour dates, click here.
