The Full Monty

Set in Sheffield during the diminishing steel industry of the 1980s, The Full Monty focusses on a group of unemployed steel-workers who try their hand at stripping to earn a few bob, in a stage adaptation which is definitely as funny as the film.

The story deals with a number of social issues including unemployment, depression, deprivation, homosexuality and impotence, but throughout continues to add lightness, wit and that ‘feel good’ feeling. It is a very cleverly written script to merge humour into, especially with these issues still present.

There was enough subtle adaptation from the original 1997 film for the cast to make the parts their own. Gary Lucy as the protagonist ‘Gaz – Gary the lad’ played his part perfectly, made it his own and brought a softness to his ‘laddish’ character that made his love for his son Nathan, played by an excellent and flawlessly understated Frazer Kelly, feel desperately real.

Bobby Schofield as the hapless and dampened Lomper was superb, from his delivery of his hilarious one-liners to his mannerisms, Schofield was a joy to watch. The whole cast is strong, it’s truly an ensemble performance and although Gaz and his story are the soul of the play, there’s enough background and stage time for each character to find a place in your heart.

The set was simple, changing mainly between the closed steel-works and the back of the working men’s club, potent reminders of Sheffield's industrial decay.

The climax of the play didn’t disappoint and the excitement from the audience as to whether they boys would in fact leave their hats on was unconcealed.

A night of cheekiness and laughter, you have to whoop, you have to cheer as “for one night only” it was The Full Monty.

The Full Monty plays at Nottingham's Theatre Royal until Saturday 21 February 2015.