‘Looking For Some Hot Stuff, Baby this Evening…’ The Full Monty, Churchill Theatre, Bromley. 22.10.2018

After less than a week apart I was back at the Churchill Theatre to begin yet another two show week, it was a perfect one to kick start it!

The Full Monty returns in its current 2018/2019 UK tour, this award winning play by Simon Beaufoy tells the story of six unemployed men-four of them former steel workers, who decide to form a male striptease act (à la Chippendale dancers) in order to gather enough money to get somewhere else and for the main character, Gaz, to be able to see his son. Set in in Sheffield, England and, starting off with a travelogue of the city in 1972, many have been able to catch 1997 film of the same name. I myself was going in blind knowing the main story plot but never having seen the film I didn’t fully know what to expect – I was not disappointed!

If the story doesn’t win you over then the British comedy within it definitely will, there is one thing Britain’s can do and that is create a great comedy that is uplifting and powerful that leaves you in fits of giggles throughout most of the performance. Director Rupert Hill has out done himself with making sure that the jokes are perfectly timed by the performers.  But also despite it being a comedy, the production also touches on many serious subjects such as unemployment, depression, impotence, homosexuality, body image, working class culture, and suicide. It really is a classic which has understandably won awards for its excellence. This play is strong and entertaining on so many levels, the final scene alone will leave you cheering at the sight of a cheeky cheek or two! You fall in love with every character that step onto the stage, especially with this amazing cast:

Gaz – Gary Lucy

Gerald – Andrew Dunn

Horse – Louis Emerick

Lomper – Joe Gill

Dave – Kai Owen

Guy – James Redmond

Jean – Liz Carney

Nathan – Fraser Kelly

Mandy – Amy Thompson

Various Roles played by – Andrew Ashford, Stephen Donald, Keeley Fitzgerald, Alex Frost, Bryonie Pritchard, and Lee Toomes.

Gary Lucy known for his roles in Hollyoaks and Footballers Wives returns as Gaz, having performed the role in past productions. You can see why he has returned, Gaz has the charm, love and dedication all of which Gary performed excellently. You could see he cared for his son Nathan, played brilliantly by Fraser Kelly and would do anything to stop him being taken away – including the removal of his clothes. Their father and son relationship between the two is clearly displayed and grows within the story, it is a delight to watch. Gaz’s best friend Dave is played by Kai Owen, I could not flaunt him one bit known most recently in his role in Hollyoaks, he clearly demonstrates his acting talent within the role. Its hard for the audience not to fall for him and feel for him. At times his comic ways reminded me that of comedian Peter Kay, having us chuckle throughout with his reactions, comebacks, and brilliant one liners!

Then their are the remaining 4 of the 6 leading men, Horse, Gerald, Lomper and Guy performed by Louis Emerick, Andrew Dunn, Joe Gill, and James Redmond. If comic timing wasn’t needed enough, to take your clothes off in front of different audience each night takes guts. But, throughout the final number each one of their faces clearly shows they are having the time of their life and eating up the cheers throughout their ‘Full Monty’ performance. I particularly loved the character Lomper which Joe excels in, a vulnerable. innocent lad who unexpectedly gets supported by the unlikely heroes that he didn’t knew he needed.  The relationship that comes between himself and Guy is portrayed very well, you instantly are warmed by them.

There is no word of a doubt that this production will not leave you in the best of moods on leaving the theatre. Having not known much about play, I am now in love with it and intrigued to know how much it compares to the film. It surely will be tough to beat, as this play is by far the best play I have seen this year so far. There is nothing you can’t not like about it!

The Full Monty plays at the Churchill Theatre until Saturday 27th October, for all ticket information go here. It will then continue around the UK to the middle of 2019, for all information on venue’s and dates go here.