Review: The Full Monty at the Sunderland Empire

As a journalist, you are expected to be good with words but trying to find the words to describe this show has proved to be quite a struggle.

I don’t think there is a word that exists to describe just how amazing this stage production of the hit film is.

The play is set in Sheffield, and with the steel industry dying a group of blokes find themselves struggling to find work.

But more importantly ‘Gaz’ is struggling to find the cash to pay child maintenance for his son Nathan.

After seeing the kind of money that can be made from stripping - Gaz played by Gary Lucy - decides to create his own version of the Chippendales with one twist. His lads will be going ‘The Full Monty’

From start to finish the show keeps you entertained and the natural humour created by the cast certainly gets the laughs.

Memorable scenes from the film including the dance scene at the job centre. Gerald’s interview which saw his gnomes fighting at the window and Dave -played by Kai Owen - wrapping himself in cling film in a bid to lose weight are all part of the show.

There are also the touching scenes between Gaz and his son Nathan - played by Reiss Ward during this particular performance, and between Guy - played by Chris Fountain - and Lomper played by Anthony Lewis.

Andrew Dunn also gives a great performance of Gerald while Louis Emerick shows he has the moves playing the role of ‘Horse’.

The casting director could not have chosen a better line-up for this show. Each one of the actors fit their role’s perfectly.

So much so, by the end of it you actually forgot you were watching a play. There was a real feel-good atmosphere throughout the show with everyone clearly enjoying themselves from the actors to the audience.

But as to whether they actually go through with the Full Monty - well that’s something you’ll have to go along and see for yourself.

The Full Monty is at the Sunderland Empire until March 25.