Full Monty review

21 June 2007

The Full Monty

Spotlight Theatre Company

Beccles Public Hall

THE Public Hall in Beccles had a chance to bare all this week with Spotlight's eagerly awaited representation of The Full Monty.

For months, the talk of the town has been the six intrepid local men who were preparing to pose as the out of work steelworkers, who dare to strip to earn some extra cash.

A major new step for the theatre company, there was a lot riding on the cast to deliver the goods! And that's exactly what they did, both in performance, song and some accomplished acting.

Spencer Botly shone as protagonist Jerry Lukowski, the father desperately fighting to keep joint custody of his son while trying to keep up his tough guy persona, while David Hirst, as the lovable, but self conscious Dave Bukatinsky, delivered some great one liners.

Chris Penn goes through the most life changing experience as Malcolm McGregor, the mummy's boy, who find love and learns to dance, but watch out for Andrew Beckles' moves as Horse. Say no more.

The show, adapted from the 1997 smash hit British film, may have been set in the New York city of Buffalo, but the accents were performed well enough to pull it off.

In support, Jean Kinkaid stood out as the fledging group's piano player with her contrary life advice, while Julia Whitman and Debbie Johnson gave sound performances as Dave and Harold's long suffering wives.

A special mention must go to 11-year-old Jamie Weedall as Nathan Lukowski, who as Jerry's son, persuades his dad to make something of his life and get on the stage to perform, when he wants to back out.

The pinnacle moment, which had most audience members craning their necks to get a good view, was carefully masked with some very clever lighting effects.

If you can still get a ticket, buy one. And if you remember the film, you will know the men were famous for leaving their hats on. Well I take mine off to them.

LK