It’s been over 20 years since The Full Monty was released on the big screen and probably just as long since I watched the film version, so I was excited to visit the Wales Millennium Centre on Monday night to watch the play.
The Full Monty follows the story of Gaz, Dave and their friends who, after seeing a crowd of women lined up outside a local club to see a Chippendales’ striptease act, decide to set up their own striptease group using local men.
The Full Monty plays at Wales Millennium Centre until 16th March 2019 Photos by Matt Crockett
The Full Monty was adapted into a stage play by the original screenwriter Simon Beaufoy and even though it covers some difficult topics such as unemployment, fathers’ rights, homosexuality, body image and suicide, the excellent writing keeps you laughing throughout the show.
I loved Gary Lucy’s portrayal of Gaz, although playing a dead-beat dad who can’t remember to pick his son (played by Nathan Zammit) up from school, there was a loveable side to him that enabled the audience to see he was just trying to do his best.
Playing best friends Gary Lucy and Kai Owen are excellent and have a great charisma together, which is enhanced further by Andrew Dunn, Louis Emerick, Joe Gill and James Redmond who make up the rest of the striptease group.
The Full Monty plays at Wales Millennium Centre until 16th March 2019 Photos by Matt Crockett
The supporting ensemble played many roles, moved set and added an extra dimension to the show. One of my favourite parts of the play was the scene changes that had classic 80s tracks booming while the set was rearranged.
It was difficult to find anything not to love with The Full Monty and really cheered up Monday evening.
The Full Monty plays at Wales Millennium Centre until 16th March 2019.