FULL MONTY
CAST GIVE THE
NAKED TRUTH BEHIND THE SHOW
It may be the last ever UK tour of this
particular production but the story of the Full Monty is one that keeps on
giving and comes to Darlington Hippodrome for a week-long run from Monday 12
November.
Vicky
Edwards managed to get the naked truth from several of the cast members prior
to their visit to Darlington.
“It
is special,” insists Gary Lucy
(famous for playing Luke Morgan in Hollyoaks as well as for roles in
EastEnders, The Bill, Footballers’ Wives and as a Dancing on Ice winner) who
plays Gaz. Having starred in almost every ‘Monty’ tour to date, he knows just
how readily people fall for this funny, poignant and bitter-sweet story.
“People
really love it. From proper theatregoers in Cambridge to Blackpool hen parties,
everyone has an absolute ball. It is a gift of a role for me.”
Louis Emerick, recently on our screens
in Coronation Street, concurs. “This is the third tour for me and it really is
a special show. It is a great story that still resonates now. They are also a
lovely company to work and travel with.”
Telling
the story of six out-of-work steelworkers from Sheffield who put on a strip
show to raise much-needed cash, the film went on to become one of the most
successful British movies of all time. Writer of both the screenplay and the
stage script, Simon Beaufoy is also the talent behind The Hunger Games:
Catching Fire and Slumdog Millionaire. Joe
Gill (familiar to Emmerdale viewers as Finn Barton) believes the play’s credibility
is key to its success.
“It
is my first time on the show [he plays Lomper] but everyone knows how iconic it
is and what a culture it has, so they come knowing that they will enjoy it.”
Another
‘Monty’ virgin, James Redmond has
done lengthy stints in Hollyoaks and Casualty but has never toured in a stage
play before. However, that doesn’t stop him recognising the show’s broad
appeal.
“We
can all relate to it and it is very moving. The poverty these guys lived in;
Maggie Thatcher encouraged them to buy their council houses and then closed the
steelworks so they were desperate. It’s a heart-warming story that still feels
relevant today. Because half of us voted remain and half voted leave none of us
know what the future holds.”
Liz Carney who plays Jean is keen to
chip in. “It appeals to men and women of all ages and from all classes. The
girls in the play tell their own story, so audiences connect with them too.”
Playing
Mandy, Amy Thompson voices her
agreement, adding: “And the thing that I find really special is that it gets
people coming to the theatre who haven’t been before. “
Well
known for roles including Rhys in Torchwood and Pete in Hollyoaks, Kai Owen returns to the role of Dave
and admits that he loves the audience reaction.
“They
may start shouting at the start, but this isn’t Dream Boys or The Chippendales
and as soon as they realise that it is a story they settle down. It is so well
written that they get immersed and carried along until the end. Then everyone
goes crazy!”
A
play that covers a huge range of modern issues – as well as unemployment themes
include financial insecurity, mental health, divorce, sexuality and body image
– the mix of comedy, pathos, warmth and sadness is perfectly balanced.
And
then there are the bums and willies. There’s no way to pussy foot around the
subject of the boys getting naked, so I ask outright: Is it absolutely
terrifying?
“I’m
sure we’ll break Joe and James in gently,” says Louis with a naughty grin,
recounting the first day in 2014 when he first had the ‘undress’ rehearsal.
“We
had only been rehearsing for three days and we hardly knew each other. But we
did it, although we all looked each other firmly in the eye! From then on it
was pretty easy. It’s much more of a man’s story in many ways and it is great
when you see blokes in the audience.”
“It
is done really well on stage, although you do have to trust the lighting
technicians, and some venues do have slow-closing curtains,” chuckles Andrew Dunn, best known for playing
Tony in TV’s Dinnerladies.
Talking
of different venues, the tour schedule is so full that it gives me motion
sickness just reading it.
“I’ve
been on stand-up circuit for nine years and I do like to explore and learn
about where I am. I am looking forward to it,” declares James, while Andrew
admits that he hates the rigmarole of searching for digs. Joe, nodding his
head, chimes in: “It’s my first tour and finding accommodation is more daunting
than getting my kit off!”
“I’m
not a veteran tourer like Andrew, and it is difficult in the sense that I have
three young children and I do like my own bed. That said, it’s great to absorb
different towns and cities,” says Louis, explaining that he and Andrew
generally share digs, trying to book places that will give them a daily walk
into the theatre.
While
most of the cast who have previously played Darlington are looking forward to
the newly revamped theatre, Amy has already had a sneak preview, having toured
there in a different show only recently. “It is absolutely fantastic!” she
enthuses, adding: “and the dressing rooms are incredible!”
The
youngest member of company, sixteen-year-old Fraser Kelly is an old hand, having already been in the production
previously. Telling me that they have been blessed with some excellent children
playing the role of Nathan, the returning cast are unanimous that Fraser has
something special. He in turn can’t wait to embark on his first tour without
needing to be formally chaperoned. Over the chorus of fond banter and mickey
taking, he says:
“I
can’t wait to start. It is a privilege working with such great people and great
actors.”
Ah,
but are they great role models?
“No!
He’s our role model” says Kai, as they all collapse into fits of giggles.
This
final tour is directed by Rupert Hill.
Best known as Coronation Street’s Jamie Baldwin, he is a previous Full Monty
cast member – something he feels gives him a distinct advantage.
“It
gives me huge insight into the way it works. I don’t need to reinvent the wheel
in every scene but there are things that I want to explore. The main thing for
me was that all the female characters felt a bit secondary, so I am trying to
make the relationship between the couples to be more meaningful and integral to
the story.
“I
also got the cast to watch the Ken Loach film Raining Stones. It was the film
that inspired the Full Monty – they wanted to make a film that Ken Loach
characters would watch. I think that’s one of The Full Monty’s strengths and it
is unbelievable how relevant that film and our show feels now; payday loans,
unemployment and anger at society. But also comedy is what Northerners use to
get by. The financial situation the characters find themselves in is desperate,
but that mix of comedy and relatability makes the show part story and part
party. Ken Loach meets Cabaret! But it is celebratory and it works better on
stage because the audience become part of the scene. The guys stripping at the
end feels like a defiant gesture and the crowds go wild!”
More
laughter from the others as they recall stories of audiences in different towns
and cities, but they all agree that it is the most gratifying audience reaction
they have ever witnessed.
“I
can’t imagine that I will ever experience that kind of response from an
audience again. You can actually feel the sound wave hit you and it is
wonderful. I really want to earn that and for the audience to buy into the
story,” says Rupert.
The
last word goes to Gary: “There is no better show on the road. Come along and
I’ll prove it to you.”
That
sounds like a challenge, Mr Lucy. And one that I am delighted to accept.
The Full Monty runs at Darlington Hippodrome
from Monday 12 to Saturday 17 November.
For
more information or to book call 01325 405405 or visit
www.darlingtonhippodrome.co.uk
