Reviewed by Beth at The Little Theatre in Leicester
Tickets were gifted in return for an honest review
The Full Monty has been wowing and tantalising audiences since its 1997 British film debut and this week, the Leicester Operatic Players are bringing the musical production all the way from Buffalo, America to the Little Theatre in Leicester.
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| Photo by Poyner and Mee |
The musical diverts original film’s plot, setting instead in Buffalo, America where a steel factory has just closed down. In our opening number, Scrap, the men of the factory lament on their current situations, unemployed and lacking any self worth. They feel hopeless about their situations and are looking for a quick fix. Meanwhile, the wives and women spend the night at a Chippendales show which our main characters Jerry and Dave find themselves backstage of after following Jerry’s ex wife. They perform the song It’s A Woman’s World, with the men overhearing the dreams and fantasies these women have.
Once the pair realise how much money these shows make, a desperate Jerry insists on creating a such show of real men in order to raise funds to pay for child support and see his son. Dave is less keen, plagued by body confidence and poor mental health, but agrees to attempt to put on such a show. Throughout the rest of Act One, a merry gang is gathered of other down-and-out ex-factory workers including Harold (the foreman), Malcom, Ethan and, hilariously named, Horse. In Act Two, we see these men work tirelessly to put on a show as relationships develop and characters are forced to confront their fears and demons before they bare all.
There are some elements of this show’s script that make it at times an uncomfortable watch.
Jerry’s misogynistic and out-dated comments about what constitutes a real man amongst other things, can be jarring to a modern audience and make it difficult to root for our protagonist. At other times, though, we do see a clear camaraderie between the men that is heart warming and makes you want to see the gang succeed in their mission. I would also argue that some of the songs in the show are forgettable and don’t necessarily move the story forwards. The number at the show’s conclusion though, Let It Go, is upbeat and grand conclusion to the character’s journey together.
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| Photo by Poyner and Mee |
Jerry is played by Chris Cooper-Hayes. He is the leader of the pack, bringing togetherness and motivating the other performers to succeed. His partner in crime, Dave, is played by Allan Smith. I really felt the internal struggles of this character and found Smith’s performance heartfelt and sincere. Ben Cusack plays Malcolm; his vocal skills stand out and he was able to combine this with a triple threat of dance, comedy and touching moments too. Horse is played by Andrew Bond who is new to the company, whose rhythm and moves make him a valued new addition to LOPS. Completing the band of men are Tobey Hill as Ethan and Paul Knight as Harold, who both brought some comic moments and created likeable characters who the audience rooted for.
In the supporting cast, Lizzie Bywater-Florence stood out as Vicki, Harold’s wife with a musical number and lots of comedy moments. Other supporting cast included Alexandra Elliott as Pam, Jerry’s sensible ex wife, Alice Oakley as Georgie, Lucy Vickery as Estelle and Emma Bamford as Jeanette.
A special shout out has to go to choreographer Ellie Newbrooks who created wonderful routines; the choreography to Michael Jordan’s Ball was a particular favourite alongside the show-stopping final number. The technical elements of the show also worked without a hitch including the all-important use of lighting at the end of the show; an impressive feat for opening night in particular!
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| Photo by Poyner and Mee |
This show is all about ordinary men baring all in a feat of self-confidence, self-acceptance and friendship and the company of LOPS mirror these sentiments beautifully. As an audience, you truly root for these guys by the end of the show and the atmosphere is electric as a result. If you’re looking for a night of hot stuff, grab yourself a ticket before their final performance on Saturday 5th April.
Tickets are available from https://thelittletheatre.co.uk/
A reminder that this show contains strong language and nudity (you promised us the Full Monty, now give us the Full Monty!)
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