"The Full Monty - The Broadway Musical"

Nottingham Arts Theatre.

In this musical stage version adapted from the 1997 British film of the same name, six unemployed Buffalo steelworkers, low on both cash and prospects, decide to present a strip act at a local club after seeing their wives' enthusiasm for a touring company of Chippendales.

One of them, Jerry, declares that their show will be better than the Chippendales dancers because they'll go "the full monty"—strip all the way. As they prepare for the show, working through their fears, self-consciousness, and anxieties, they overcome their inner demons and find strength in their camaraderie.

For anyone who has lived under a stone since the film’s release, this may appear as being a play directed mainly at women with plenty of “eye candy” on show, but it runs so much deeper than this.

OK the show wouldn’t be “The Full Monty” without a certain amount of flesh flashing, and you must take your hat off to the male members for exposing their talents, but the script also takes on depression, suicide, pride, homosexuality and parental responsibilities as well as conquering demons and fears. The women in this musical also play an important and vital role, because if it wasn’t for the women, the men wouldn’t have taken such a bold move.

You will leave the Nottingham Arts Theatre on an absolute high because this is such a great feel good piece of theatre, made all the better by an absolutely brilliant cast. And a big cast it is as well!

Jerry Lukowski will do anything to keep contact with his son Nathan, played with great natural ability by JJ McCormack, and to get the money needed to pay Jerry's ex wife, Pam. Jerry is a complex emotional character with serious heart and charisma, and genuine tenderness for his son – a regular guy, basically. JJ really should do more musicals because he does have a really good set of vocals on him, especially his falsetto; this is shown off to fine effect in the ballad "Breeze Off The River".

Pam, played by Emily Hudson, earnestly wants Jerry to be an active parent for Nathan, but wrestles with strong reservations about his character and her own lingering feelings for him.

Jerry and Pam's son, Nathan is played by two young actors, Charlie Enright and Logan Cordall. On Wednesday night Nathan was played by Logan in his first lead role. I've watched Logan's acting talents bloom over the last few years as part of various ensembles, and as Nathan it's almost as if he's not acting because he has that natural stage presence. Just watch the scene at the dancing class, he has rhythm which isn't forced. Acting talents obviously run in the family.

Michael Coles plays Teddy Slaughter, Pam's current fiancé. Teddy is the complete opposite of Jerry – clean-cut, well-off, smarmy and revelled in rubbing Jerry's nose in it. Teddy comes across as not the nicest of characters, and that is testament to Michael's acting skills.

Dave Bukatinsky, played by Gary Thorne, you immediately empathise with. He has a great sense of humour, masking the problems he is having at home with his wife Georgie. Dave struggles with unemployment and its effect on his marriage. “Heart” is often used to describe this show: Dave has heart in spades! A lovable, good-natured soul with body weight and self-esteem issues. There's a lot of chemistry with Dave and Jerry, accentuated by the time both characters are on stage; they are best buddies and it shows.

This is Gary's return to the stage as he last appeared in "Brassed Off" at the Arts Theatre, back in 2016. Another strong voice, and another strong comedy actor. Both talents are highlighted in the song "Big Ass Rock", and the strength of his vocal talents in the duet "You Rule My World" with Harold.

Georgie, played by Emme Gunn, is a warm, down-to-earth soul who isn’t afraid to kick up her heels. Her exuberance opens the show and sets the place and mood perfectly! Her reality comes in dealing with her hubby’s struggles and trying to hold her marriage together. "It's A Woman's World", along with the other women is a stomping female anthem.

Malcolm MacGregor, played by Bertie Black, wins the sympathy vote as he is saved by Dave and Jerry at the start from a half-hearted suicide attempt, and then gives a lot of the comedy to the group with his special dancing technique! His frank self-assessment neglects to mention his sweetness and sincerity. Through the auditions for male strippers, he meets Ethan who supports him through a very dark moment and they become close friends.

Bertie is another actor I've seen many times, and I've often commented on his comic talents. They still shine in his performance, but you also get to see another side of Bertie as he sings "You Walk With Me", and shows his more serious side.

Courtney Harvey-Giddey plays Molly MacGregor, Malcolm's mother. A nice character laden role.

Harold Nichols, who is played by Sam Howard, whips the choreography for the group into shape, but he has kept a big secret from his wife, Vicki. Aloof at first, his dance skills are what finally, and arduously, brings the group alive. Sam also gets to show his vocal talents off in his duet with Gary in "You Rule My World".

Vicki Nichols is played by Pippa Ward. Charming and energetic, Vicki loves Prada ensembles but not more than she loves her husband. Flamboyant on the surface, her love and understanding are real. Classy, but easily one of the girls. A comedic triple-threat. I prefer the musical version of Vicki as it shows that she loves Harold, and not what Harold can buy for her; something that Harold hadn't realised up until the point she discovers his secret. The song "Life Without Harold" is a lovely fun song that shows Pippa's voice off perfectly.

Horse, or to give him his full proper name is Noah T Simmons also has a funky way of dancing but why do they call him "horse"? Mmmm I wonder! Played by Saurav Modak, Horse's “break-dancing days are probably over” but he sings and dances the funky show-stopping, ‘Big Black Man.’ Great mover with excellent dead-pan comedy.

Ethan Girard, played by Shantanu Bhumbra, brings a certain "glimmer" to the dance act in a BIG way! Ethan remains an optimist while struggling with unemployment and friendship. He energetically attempts wall-walking a la Donald O’Connor’s ‘Singing In The Rain’ acrobatics. A good physical comedic role and another success to list on his rapidly expanding acting CV.

Daisy Donoghue plays Estelle Genovese, Jerry's younger girlfriend. It's so nice to see Daisy play a role so different to those that I've seen her play before. This is a sassy and sexy Daisy, and brings a new confidence to her wonderful acting skills.

Jeanette Burmeister, the flamboyant rehearsal pianist for the men is played by Lindsey Hemingway. Jeanette’s seen it all and been there before. You can’t shock her, but she’ll shock you as she says what’s really on her mind! She shows up with a piano to play for the guys totally out of the blue and then steals the show with her ‘Showbiz’ number.

Jordan Peppiatt plays the stripper Buddy "Keno" Walsh. His show opening Chippendale-esque performance for the Buffalo ladies bookends the beginning of the show nicely. I couldn't believe it when I was chatting to the Director who said that this was Jordan's theatre debut. To go on stage in the first scene, in front of a packed Arts theatre and strip off to a G String takes some guts for a seasoned actor, but to make his debut baring practically all shows the confidence of a lion. I was also impressed by his acting skills later on in the musical. I was going to say that I hope we see more of Jordan on local stages, but after this week, there's not a lot more to see that we haven't already seen! His performance was definitely appreciated by Wednesday night's audience.

Mark Russell plays Tony Giordano, the owner of the club where "The Full Monty" is to be staged.

Roy Smith plays Reg Willoughby, the Union Leader. Reg also auditions for the dance group but decides that it's not for him, but not before he removes some of his clothing!

The rest of the cast are Charlotte Clay (Susan Hershey), Isobel Munden (Betty), Kevin Jones (Dance Instructor), Emma Nicol (Joanie), Joe Pritchard (Repo Man, The Reverand and Police Sergeant), Barry Hobbs (Police Sergeant), Alison Russell (Ally). Playing the Senior Citizens at the Hot Metal - that's the name of the full monty group - pre show practice session are Antoinette Lilley, Glenise Ellis, Mary Lobley and Sonya Belton.

Brilliant characters all and the actors all looked like they were having the time of their lives, and why shouldn't they because this is such a brilliant musical.

You'll notice several differences in this musical version of the film from the stage version of the film. There's no "Hot Stuff", or "You Can Leave Your Hat On" but you won't miss them because the soundtrack is wonderful. You'll go home with "Let It Go" resounding around your head. Plus there's the beautiful duet of "You Walk With Me".

Directed by Marie Rogers, this has to be one of the best shows that I've seen Marie be involved in. All the fun is there and so are the softer moments. I think that Marie can class this show as being a massive success.

The choreography is by Daisy Donoghue and Charlotte Clay. This is a big area to cover in a musical like this, especially when the choreography has to look quite bad when the lads are just starting out. The final scene where they all let it go though was slick, as was the opening strip scene with Buddy. I am sure that Daisy, Charlotte and Marie have really enjoyed their roles in the production team.

Musical Director is AJ Hill. I will admit that before I had a proper look at the programme, I actually thought that the music was on backing tracks because the sound produced was so very good. The twelve piece band sounded amazing, especially the brass section which was big, bright and breezy, punctuating the soundtrack perfectly.

Sound design and operation is by Rob Ketteridge. I've always been in praise of the sound at the Arts Theatre, and yet again, it was incredibly clear, and I certainly didn't hear any missed mic cues. Perfectly balanced, I heard every word of the musical.

Lighting, a very important role in this particular musical. The lighting design is by Oliver Read, and operated by George Wilson whose timing - as always - is spot on. I imagine that many of the ladies were praying for the lights to blow a fuse at the integral part of the show. Sorry but that may be more than George's life may be worth!

The set has been hired in from Scenic Projects and looks the bees knees.

The stage crew made sure that everything on stage was placed and removed as fast as possible, which at times must have been not the easiest task as some of the set were pretty bulky and I know that the wings at the Arts Theatre are not massive, but a smooth operation never the less. Stage managed by Maddi Pell and Matt Allcock.

What more can I say, I love this musical and it's got a self affirming quality about it. it deals with serious issues but always giving the audience what they want. A great night of entertainment with a bit of sauciness thrown in.

“The Full Monty” is at Nottingham Arts Theatre until Saturday 29 June. Don't let it go without seeing this revealing and extremely entertaining show.