The Full Monty (Brierley Hill Musical Theatre Company)

Contrary to popular belief 'The Full Monty' is not a musical purely about unfit, out-of-work and frankly very ordinary blokes getting their kit off to regain some self esteem. That is obviously a key piece of the complex jigsaw puzzle of a story but, it is as much about relationships and has a deep vein of misunderstanding running through it.

Buffalo steelworkers find themselves unemployed and emotions run high as they try to reclaim some perceived lost masculinity, had they of course listened to their partners they would very soon realise that they have lost nothing other than their job, any other losses are purely in their mind but, highlighting how important employment is in the (particularly) male psyche.

Jerry Lukowski (a bundle of pent up anger with imposing stage presence from Andy Skyrme) has already lost his partner (the stalwart and strangely forgiving Pam, played by Katie Pullinger) but, is desperate to avoid loss of his son Nathan (an energetic and buoyant portrayal at this performance by Lucas Barker).

Dave Bukatinsky has lost all confidence which belies a confident performance from James Lawley, if only he realised rejecting his wife Georgie (an all round gem of of a portrayal from Meg Luckins) is unnecessary and to the benefit of neither.

Harold Nichols (a sensitive characterisation from Steve Homer) attempts to impress his wife by showering her with all the gifts she could possibly want, in yet another classic conundrum of misunderstanding, Vicki (a stand-out performance from Jess Skidmore) wants nothing of the sort, merely the husband she loves back.

Noah 'Horse' Simmons is looking to prove that old age is not something to be feared and that he can do anything the younger guys can do, Chas James proves this and much more in this role, we are of course still waiting to confirm if the nickname 'Horse' is valid or not.

Ethan Girard (an athletic performance from James Callaghan) is trying to emulate the late, great Donald O'Connor in the 'Make Em Laugh' scene from 'Singin' in the Rain', however I can confirm as a self-confessed aficionado of the movie, Donald never appeared to injure himself in the process so there is still much to learn.

Malcolm MacGregor is heavily mothered and as such yet to really discover himself (although Ethan will bring out his true feelings after said mother sadly passes away), a performance of true depth from Ben Cooper and a particularly poignant rendition of 'You Walk with Me' in the funeral scene.

Whilst there are many stunning and characterful performances in this production, Jo Gresswell as pianist/accompanist and all round showbiz encyclopedia Jeanette Burmeister, is a complete triumph and should not be missed.

Supporting Cast include Nick Aston as real male stripper Keno, Tom Ruff as Pam's new partner Teddy, Kate Laws as Jerry's new squeeze Estelle, Jess Bradley-Hughes as Susan and Nichola Haynes as Joanie, not to mention a cameo from Director, Chris Psaras as club owner Tony Giordano.

Under the direction as previously stated of Chris Psaras, Richard Ganner - Musical Director and Sally Evans/Rhi Luckins - Choreographers this is a production full of drama, crafted performances and of course The Full Monty. Why would you miss it ?

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