The Full Monty at the Regent Theatre in Stoke Review
The Full Monty
Regent Theatre, Stoke
26-31 October 2015
www.atgtickets.com/regent-theatre
Reviewed by Debbie Lowndes
My husband and I were selected to conduct a review at the Regent Theatre, Stoke on Trent. The review was The Full Monty, and it was definitely the FULL MONTY, nothing was held back! We had a truly fun and amazing evening with lots of giggles in a great atmosphere.
The theatre is easy to find with good car parking in the local area. It is modern, inviting, well decorated, staff are welcoming, accommodating and very friendly. There is a main bar within the theatre foyer, you can pre-order drinks for the interval if preferred. Service at the bar was good even though the theatre was buzzing staff seemed to be ahead of the game in relation to serving drinks etc. There was also a stall where you could purchase soft drinks and snacks again staff were in full control and queues were being kept to a minimum.
The upstairs bar (Piano Bar) was less busy, I think was only because people tendered to gather at the other bar as it is the first one you spot upon entering the theatre. The piano bar offered seating, the atmosphere was calming and relaxing within the bar. A tannoy system was in operation at the theatre to inform everyone when the production was due to start. Following the tannoy we made our way the theatre to take our seats. The ushers were most helpful, they were efficient and polite at directing us to our seats. My husband and I were both excited about the production, we love the film and have seen it on too many occasions to mention.
Well the curtain lifted and the screaming commenced. The actors were excellent and tried very hard with their Yorkshire accents. The actor playing Nathan was just like the boy in the film, he stole my heart throughout the evening! Well I have to say Gary Lucy was also a dream to watch and very easy on the eye. He played the part of Gary really well. The production was excellent throughout and was a true representation of the film. The backdrops and scene settings were great and portrayed a true likeness to the film. I have to say I enjoyed the theatre performance just as much as the movie. Whoever selected the actors for the production did a grand job as they were spot on for portraying the original actors. They were a good bunch and there was a true rapport between them, which resulted in a most enjoyable performance. It was a delight to be part of the opening night. There were numerous scene settings from the steel works to the Jobcentre, the interview setting for Gerald’s interview, the working man’s club plus Gerald’s house with the fitness equipment and sunbed. Horse was played by Louis Emerick and to be honest I do not think they could have found anyone who was better match for the part than Louis. He played the part so well and his Liverpool accent was great and fitted it so well. I have to say each and every one of the main characters were great and the played their parts so well. They had most definitely done here research, true professionals. There were many very funny parts to mention such as Gerald’s interview with the popping up garden gnomes. Horse’s audition was fabulous and the dance moves were good and funny too, the scene outside the working men’s club where the lady relives herself in the same way a male – standing up! The best scene was obviously the most awaited one, the final one ‘THE FULL MONTY’. Some scenes touched on your heart like where Nathan became the group’s manager etc. The final scene was excellent they stripped to perfection, they ripped off their vests WOW and threw them into to audience to screams. Whipped of their trousers and fantastic bright red thongs and cover the private dangly bits with their hats, just like in the film. Unfortunately, they accurately covered their private bits, much to my disappointment. It was one great production and a true credit to original film and writers. I have seen many things at the theatre recently but this has to be the best one I have seen for a while. After the last scene the curtain rose and the actors came back on stage in their prestige white robes, Gary Lucy very cheekily turned and flashed his bottom, wow what a tight and toned little bottom he has!!!
I would give the production of The Full Monty a massive 5 out of 5. Everyone who loves the Full Monty should definitely go and watch this. You are in for a great treat and good night out.
I would just like to mention a little bit about the theatre itself. The theatre is very clean, well-organised and all staff encountered during my visit were helpful, friendly and courteous. At the interval you could vacate the theatre area and get refreshments from the bar in the foyer or the Piano Bar. A drinks trolley also came into the theatre area and you could purchase alcohol beverages and soft drinks from the trolley. Ice cream was also being served directly within the theatre. The toilets were clean, hygienic and adequately stocked with supplies. The theatre seating was comfortable with good leg room. Atmosphere throughout the performance was great. The audience were mainly women, with a wide range of ages. Some men were present and again these ranged in ages. The lighting as sound were good. In the evening the theatre is externally light in bright colours it looks fantastic from the outside and stands out across the skyline. I would rate the theatre once again 5 out of 5.
Seeing The Full Monty is an absolute must and it is money well spent!
Rating: 5/5 
Tickets cost from £14.40 to £32.90 (plus £2.85 transaction fee).
The Full Monty is at the Regent Theatre in Stoke until 31 October 2015. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 871 7649
Regent Theatre, Piccadilly, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, ST1 1AP | 0844 871 7649
