Review of The Full Monty at Norwich Theatre Royal: Fast, fun show has got everything going for it

The Full Monty – Theatre Royal, Norwich

Brace yourselves Norwich, they say, and it’s great advice! This is such a fast, fun show, with everything going for it - a great soundtrack, plenty of giggles, nostalgia by the bucket-load and, of course, hunky fellas getting their kit off!

It’s 25 years since the iconic film about a group of redundant Sheffield steel factory workers who decide to do The Full Monty to earn some much-needed cash.

We follow their stories of despair and regeneration as they try to regain some self-respect, and the show does a great job of reminding us just how tough times were in these big industrial regions in the 80s and 90s.

All the cast are fab, with I’m a Celebrity’s and the X-Factor’s Jake Quickenden as the beefcake Guy, and Danny Hatchard taking on the Robert Carlyle role as chancer Gaz who faces losing his son as he can’t afford his maintenance payments.

The audience is worked into a frenzy for that iconic final scene as the men perform their strip routine to Tom Jones’ You Can Leave Your Hat On.

But, as it is exceptionally well choreographed and lit, don’t expect to see too much - but there are a lot of thongs flying about the stage!

The show continues until Saturday. More details on www.norwichtheatre.org

Review by Sarah Hardy