Well, we have all probably seen the film – a bunch of middle -aged men – ex steel workers – who when the steel mills and factories close, are left broke, desperate and powerless. A story with its iconic scenes, music and humour that everyone – especially females – remembered – The Full Monty – when a bunch of men, for one night only, become cabaret strippers. So, how was this going to translate from screen to stage? I was intrigued to find out.
The Liverpool Empire theatre was packed to the rafters – mostly women I have to say, and there was a deep breath of anticipation across the auditorium as the show started. A large steel construction, a scaffold frame that was a formidable centre piece, drew us into Sheffield’s former glory of theses skyline -consuming steel factories that were the lifeline to the majority of the city workers.
As the show continued, this structure became the mesmerising backbone of the play as it manually transformed into houses, steel works, a job club and a conservative club. This prop was a stroke of designer genius and all I could hear people talking about at the interval was – “isn’t it amazing how the scene changes – it’s fabulous!”. It was a very clever centre piece that was mobilised physically by the cast and grips to represent the hard-working ethos of the steel workers community.
The show started with pals Dave and Gaz (played with panache by Neil Hurst and Danny Hatchard) at the old steel mill trying to steal a steel girder. The attempt fails so they try again. In doing so they save an ex- colleague Lomper (played again with flair by Nicholas Prasad) from suicide, and in doing so, give him a reason to live with his newly found friendship. The main thread through this heart-felt story is a father’s love for his son. His son is living with Gaz’s ex-wife and without the alimony payments (that are well overdue) being paid he is about to lose his opportunity to see him. He needs £600 and quick!
On observing the reaction of the local Sheffield women during a night out watching “The Chippendales” – a male dance group, Gaz, Dave and Lomper along with pals Guy, Gerard and Horse decide that they too could entertain the locals with their own version of the Chippendales – with an exception – they would go nude – do the Full Monty!
The scenes throughout the show were funny and at times hysterical, leaving the audience screaming with joy. The audition scene was superb and those who remembered the audition in the film were not disappointed, likewise in the dole queue ensemble, and the gnome interview scene all were brilliantly delivered.
The play was delightful from start to finish, the cast all endeared us to their plight and left us crying with laughter, the set was phenomenal, the costumes a dream (oh the underpants!!) and of course the finale with them stripping for us all – was awesome (everyone screamed). The epic soundtrack of iconic songs from the 80’s era, the unique set, the talented cast, the authentic costumes, the great one-liners – it was all a concoction that melted our hearts and uplifted them simultaneously. This was a great play and the director (Michael Gyngell), the designer (Jasmine Swan) and producer (David Pugh) should all be very proud – not only did the play live up to the expectations from the film- the joy of this performance excelled it.
If you liked the film – you will love this show. If you haven’t seen the film – this show, will be a wonderful new adventure to experience men’s true determination and friendship that you will love!
The show is on at the Empire Theatre from Wednesday 17th January – Saturday 20th January 2024 at 7.30pm
Full price: from £16.00 (All prices include booking fees). https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/liverpool-empire/
Reviewer: Jan Mellor
Reviewed: 16th January 2024
North West End UK Rating: