The UK tour of the stage show The Full Monty hit The Orchard, Dartford, this week and it certainly lived up to its urban slang definition of going all the way and delivering the works.

The heart-warming story of how six out-of-work Sheffield steelworkers turn to stripping became one of the most successful British films of all time when released in 1997.

But you don’t have to be a fan of the movie, or even know the plot, to appreciate this theatre production by director Roger Haines and writer Simon Beaufoy.

Stepping out every night in front of a live, packed audience, knowing you will have to ‘reveal all’ in a little over two hours must be a pretty daunting prospect, no matter how many times you’ve rehearsed or performed.

But these guys certainly proved they have got…..well, courage, for want of a better word!

Actor Gary Lucy is best-known for his TV roles in such hit shows as EastEnders, The Bill and Hollyoaks, but he easily makes the side-step into theatre to lead a cast featuring other well-known soap actors such as Louis Emerick, from Brookside, and Rupert Hill, who played Jamie Baldwin in Coronation Street.

But it was already- accomplished theatre actor Martin Miller as Dave who gave the stand-out performance of the evening, drawing huge laughs just by appearing on stage in boxer shirts tucked under his belly.

The production includes all the iconic hits by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones, giving the audience – including a large number of men - the chance to clap and sing along, and the famous hip-thrusting dole queue scene is as funny as it ever was.

Those who have seen the film will know the ending – and the stage show sticks strictly to the plotline of police officers’ hats, red thongs and bare bums.

This really was The Full Monty and left an appreciative audience wanting more.

orchardtheatre.co.ukThe Full Monty is on at The Orchard until Saturday, April 25. For tickets call 01322 220000 or visit

by Sharon Reach