The Full Monty

Five stars

Theatre Royal, Brighton, runs until Saturday, January 26

THIS spirited play by Oscar-winning writer Simon Beaufoy, who also wrote the film script, ticks all the boxes, managing to be funny, sincere and, at times, serious.

The Full Monty is based on the acclaimed 1997 British film of the same name but it’s refreshing to see a film made into a play rather than yet another jukebox musical.

While it’s faithful to the story, it’s more than a mindless re-tread of the source material, including new story arcs and comedic moments.

The play has previously won the UK Theatre Award for Best Touring Production and it’s easy to see why.

Not only is it superbly acted, but the cast’s chemistry is irresistible.

Hollyoaks star Gary Lucy takes the lead as Gaz, a Jack-the-lad type who’s been worn down by losing his job and struggling to pay child support for his son (played superbly by young Fraser Kelly).

He is totally believable even when performing the unenviable task of bringing together a group of misfits, who’ve also fallen upon hard times, to take off their clothes for cash.

The stellar cast also features Kai Owen (Hollyoaks) as deadpan yet loveable Dave, Andrew Dunn (Dinner Ladies) as riches to rags Gerald who’s struggling to hide his debts from his wife, Louis Emerick (Benidorm) as Horse, Joe Gill (Emmerdale) as Lomper and James Redmond (Casualty) as Guy.

The play features classic songs from the film including You Sexy Thing by Hot Chocolate, You Can Leave Your Hat On by Tom Jones and Hot Stuff by Donna Summer, accompanied by that famous dole queue dance.

It’s just as much fun on the stage.

Clever staging enhances the production with the set transforming from the bleak, abandoned steel mill into the glitzy working men’s club.

The audience are chomping at the bit for that big final reveal and the climax gets an ear drum shattering cheer but it’s the fantastically acted journey to this point that makes the pay off so rewarding.

This is a play with a very big heart, sensitively dealing with body image, sexuality, father’s rights and austerity while ultimately being cheeky and uplifting.

Gemma Logan