The Full Monty at The Little Theatre Leicester Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Sue Rumble
Intro
This musical comedy is based on the 1997 hit film, The Full Monty, a much loved film and a favourite of mine. The show is performed by the Leicester Operatic Players.
A group of unemployed steelworkers, laid off in Buffalo, New York, come up with an interesting way to make some quick cash, meaning they need to overcome fears and inhibitions, by revealing all to an audience. Their friendship grows giving them the courage they need.
This performance contains strong language, adult themes and nudity.
Venue & Facilities
The Little Theatre is a predominantly voluntary run organization which is home to Leicester Drama Society. It has run for nearly a hundred years and is located in the heart of Leicester’s city centre. It has a 350 seat auditorium and a lovely bar which also serves hot drinks for before the show and at the interval. There are so many interesting photos and pictures all around – take a walk down the corridor to the disabled toilet – worth a look. There are two car parks within easy walking distance.
Review
What a great show, full of sentiment, emotion, fun, comedy, dancing and singing. Men’s mental health and depression is a theme throughout the musical.
Jerry (Chris Cooper-Hayes), is worried about being able to financially support his son Nathan (Aaron Kirby) and to find a job that makes him feel masculine. His friend Dave (Allan Smith) struggles with body image, especially regarding his weight. They both show their feelings throughout the show making the audience have a real empathy with them.
When Jerry and Dave meet Chippendale, Buddy (Alex Thompson) in the bathroom, Jerry’s desire to set up his own strip act grows. But they need to find four more men to make the act.
They meet Malcolm (Ben Cusack) an ex security guard at the steelworks, while they are out running where they find him suicidal. At auditions they recruit dodgy-hipped Horse (Andrew Bond) and crazy , well-endowed Ethan (Tobey Hill). They ask for help with dancing from their former foreman Harold (Paul Knight) who ends up being the sixth member.
There are many great scenes during the show – Malcolm’s mother passes away and the funeral scene was extremely moving – what a fantastic emotional song from Malcolm– his voice is amazing.
The two dance routines at the end of both Act1 and act 2 were brilliant and got the audience clapping along and wanting to dance. The choreography brilliant – Ellie Newbrooks.
Well done to all of the cast from this Operatic Society, who showed their skills throughout the show with their great singing and dancing and made the audience feel part of the story. Congratulations also to the director (Steve Elliott), musical company and all the behind the scenes staff who made this brilliant show what it was.
I would definitely recommend people to go and see this funny, lively and emotional show.
Price & Value
The price range of tickets, in my opinion, is extremely good value for money given the quality and length of performance.
Date of performance – 3rd April 2025
Date of review – 19th – 4th April 2025
Price of Tickets – £20
Running Time – 2 hrs 35 mins incl. interval
Rating: 5/5
Website – The Little Theatre, Leicester
Book tickets – The Little Theatre, Leicester
Tel : 0116 255 1302
The Little Theatre, Dover Street, Leicester