More Than Just a Flash Dance!

Naomi MacKay saw The Full Monty at Aylesbury Waterside Theatre. It runs until Saturday 25 November.

It’s 26 years since the movie of the same name was released, and while it is set against the backdrop of the 90s, when Sheffield’s steel industry was crumbling, many of the themes of unemployment and uncertainty ring true during the current cost of living crisis (please see the food bank appeal below).

It’s a reminder that this show is so much more than just a ‘girl’s night out’, and has some serious themes running through it. However, at its heart is an easy comedy that had the audience laughing out loud from beginning to end.

If you’re not familiar with the story, it tells the tale of Gaz (beautifully played by ex-EastEnder Danny Hatchard) and Dave (Neil Hurst – the funniest man I have seen on stage for a long time). Down on their luck and out of work, their friendship is helping them through their struggles (and the odd bit of thieving – even that they manage to make hilarious). But when Gaz is desperate to keep seeing his son Nathan (Cass Dempsey), he comes up with an unusual way to earn cash – by setting up a stripping dance troupe in the manner of the Chippendales.

He gathers together a ragtag group of men, all looking to be saved in one way or another – Horse (Ben Onwukwe), who goes on dog walks but without a dog, Gerald (Bill Ward) who has lost his job but kept it a secret from his wife, Lomper (Nicholas Prasad), a loner who is desperate for friends and Guy (Jake Quickenden) a young man who hides two very big secrets…

The staging is simple but extremely clever, transforming from former steel mill, to Job Centre, club back door and more, all with the backdrop of the city and hills of Sheffield, and some banging 90s tunes.

The story moves easily, with plenty of laughs, and some poignant moments, until we get to the big reveal at the end as the boys appear for their one-night-only performance – do they keep their hats on? You’ll have to go to find out!

If you’re looking for a fun night out – there’s only one place to be this week…as I write this there are still tickets available from as little as £16 for most performances.

Note: age guidance is 14. There are adult themes, depiction of suicide and partial nudity.

The Full Monty runs at the Aylesbury Waterside Theatre until Saturday 25 November. Tickets are available at: www.atgtickets.com/aylesbury (bkg fee) or call 0844 871 7615 (Fees apply. Calls cost up to 7p per min plus your phone company’s access charge).

The cast are supporting a special appeal in aid of Aylesbury Foodbank. Inspired by counterpart, the ‘full monty’ breakfast, audience members are being encouraged to bring any non-perishable breakfast food items they can afford to, with them to this week’s shows. The appeal will run up until Sat 25 Nov with items on the wish list including: tinned beans, tinned tomatoes, frankfurters, cereal, tea, coffee, UHT Milk, long-life orange juice, jam, peanut butter, tinned fruit and table sauces. Other non-perishable items will also be gratefully received.

Image: The Full Monty. Nicholas Prasad Leyon Stolz-Hunter Jake Quickenden Bill Ward and Neil Hurst. Photo Ellie Kurttz