The Full Monty at Kings Theatre Portsmouth Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Julie Hayward
I was initially unsure about this musical, I remember the 1997 film based in Sheffield in the UK, so I was uncertain how relatable it would be being based Buffalo in the USA. Well, my doubts were quickly resolved, I instantly warmed to the characters, and the struggles of hard-working people is the same on both sides of the pond.
The men just want to be able to provide for their families and are taking time to adjust to the ‘woman’ finding equality.
The plot does explore some serious and poignant moments, but overall, it is an uplifting, feelgood show. The newly found camaraderie is full of humour, banter and friendship.
The songs enhance the story telling, and they are performed brilliantly. The choreography is fantastic allowing the audience to be part of the journey that leads up to the ‘big night’, where all is finally revealed.
Ben Ofoedu is a firm favourite with the local audience, a regular in the annual Panto, this year playing Dandini in Cinderella. He treated us to his chart-topping song ‘Hey What’s Wrong with You’ in the finale, which was had everyone ne their feet, this explained why his solo of ‘Big Black Man’ was so good. On this note the script was of its time with several stereotyped roles and references to homophobia, sexism and body shaming. Which I guess wouldn’t be so accepted if written today, however it was underlined with humour allowing the audience not to feel too uncomfortable about it.
For me the star of the show was Nick Williams, who plays Jerry, his performance was outstanding, a real up and coming talent.
I enjoyed the use of the cast in the audience and even pole dancing up in the boxes. Most of the player’s had identifiable roles and they all had individual characters to play, which is I think much better than some shows where the ensemble fades into the background. A few did stand out, Becky Heath, who played Estelle, was very good.
The simple set changes were effective in setting the scene for the various locations, for example, a funeral scene was depicted with the lighting of an area where the grave would have been. The mourners stood around and the would-be strippers discreetly rehearsed their moves; this was a familiar nod to the original film. I think the soundtrack ‘You Can Leave Your Hat On’ was noticeably not part of the musical, but it was more than made up for, by a lovely collection of songs that had been written for the Broadway adaptation.
I really enjoyed seeing the local talent in a full musical production, being accompanied by the live orchestra, bought such energy to the occasion.
‘The Full Monty’ needed the men to go all the way, would they or wouldn’t they be prepared to do it?
For one night only… let’s just say they enjoyed being in the spotlight.
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £15
The Full Monty is at Kings Theatre from Saturday 13th to Sat 20th September 2025. For more information and to book tickets call the Box office 023 9282 8282 or visit www.kingsportsmouth.co.uk
Kings Theatre, Albert Rd, Portsmouth, Southsea, PO5 2QJ