Hull New Theatre – until 13th April 2019
Reviewed by Catherine McWilliams
5*****
There are certain clues that tell you that you have just had a cracking night at the theatre – the excited, happy buzz of the audience as they leave; the interval coming far too fast and unexpectedly; having your emotions pulled about; willing the characters on to succeed and lastly laughing your socks off! Last night’s performance of The Full Monty at the Hull New Theatre had all of these elements and more, and received a well-deserved standing ovation from a packed audience.
Simon Beaufoy has successfully adapted his screen play to the stage, the story lending itself well to the theatre. On paper this is a play about male strippers but in actuality it is the tale of lost pride and hope, unemployment, depression and despair set in a Sheffield that is no longer the proud Steel City. On stage the story appears darker than in the film, perhaps because of the restricted nature of the stage, but undoubtedly helped by the stunning stage set and the dark and dingy lighting, which emphasised the run down nature of the area. Ultimately though this is a tale of hope and love and in a typical northern way of laughing at the adversities that life throws at us.
The main reason that this production is so effective is that the main characters gel so well and are totally believable as the disparate characters coming together to perform the Full Monty.
Gary Lucy as the main protagonist Gaz, clearly relishes his role and the interaction with the audience. His relationship with his son Nathan (ably played by Fraser Kelly) is portrayed beautifully. His Sheffield accent however is not so good – but I can forgive him that, as his brusque performance is just right.
Gaz of course needs a side kick, and in Dave (Kai Owen) he has just the man. Kai Owen portrays Dave’s foibles and insecurities superbly, never quite able to voice them or tell his friend how he feels.
Andrew Dunn makes a wonderful Gerald, pretending he is still going to work and reluctantly teaching the lads to dance. The audience felt for him, especially after his abortive interview.
Louis Emerick’s arthritic dancing was rather superb as Horse, adding a touch of class to the dancing! Joe Gill shone as the depressed lonely Lomper, coming out of his shell as he became friends with the other lads. As to James Redmond, he exuded confidence as Guy, but as it turned out he had his insecurities too.
This is a production that will not disappoint, all my favourite bits from the film were there, but this was a more real experience, the audience palpably investing in the characters and willing them to succeed.
There are points in the play that will stop you in your tracks as you feel for what the characters are going through, but within a minute you will be laughing so hard your face aches.
Quite simply a fabulous night out at the theatre!