The Full Monty

Miranda Musical Theatre Co’s second show of the year, the fun-filled comedy musical The Full Monty, based on the hit movie from late ‘90s was a joy to see, bursting with energy and enthusiasm from the opening line to the finale. A compact stage / set design of LED screens along with vibrant costumes from the late ‘80s / early ‘90s and a colourful lighting scheme combined well to transport the audience to Buffalo NY, 1989.

Director Tim Dennis, who has worked on many the company’s recent productions and is President of group, has cast a mix of experience and stage newcomers who have exceled, to produce many exceptional performances. The camaraderie from the core group of the six main leads was very evident in their scenes together, once they formed the group that would eventually do the strip performance at the end of the show. There were also some nice comedic moments and great stage presence from some of the supporting roles.

First time Musical Director Lauren Dennis, supported by Matthew Herne as Associate MD, lead an impressive sounding  orchestra. All musical numbers were sung well, although some cast did struggle at times with some of the high notes and didn’t seem to sit well in their falsetto register. Numbers that stood out included “Big Black Man” (that the audience really all got into), “Jeanette’s Showbiz Number” and “Let It Go” (the final strip routine number).

Pamela Diaz in her choreographing debut managed the high energy routines that the cast performed perfectly. The cast seem to really shine in the dance numbers, with some great comedy coming from the men learning the strip routine throughout, then hitting their straps in the finale.

Lead performances by both Geoff Stone and Conor Healey-Green as Jerry and Dave, the two best friends in the show, had a very believable onstage mateship, evident throughout. Both had great individual moments. Geoff playing the desperate father to Nathan, played by William Downie, had strong light and shade moments with Nathan and ex-wife Pam, played by Morven Taylor. Conor, playing the overweight Dave made the audience really feel for him in his personal struggles and his relationship with wife Georgie, played by Rebecca Carter.

The others in the unemployed group that join the one-night gig included Ellis Pinkerton as Malcolm, Stephen Halstead as Harold the ex-Supervisor, Ralphy Walter as Horse and Tom Tobin as Ethan. Each of the actors added their own strengths to the roles. Halstead’s experienced vocals were a highlight in all numbers, Walter’s dance moves in “Big Black Man” had the audience talking at interval and Pinkerton and Tobin’s chemistry held a powerful presence towards the end of the show.

Notable supporting roles that couldn’t be forgotten were both Rebecca Carter and Anne-Marie Fanning as Georgie – Dave’s wife and Jeanette, the hilarious piano player. Carter’s acting in scenes with Healey-Green were highlights, and she was vocally very strong. Fanning had great comedic timing and her number was a treat to begin act 2.

The Full Monty is still playing for this week and will provide a truly enjoyable experience for anyone over 15 and anyone who enjoyed the movie.

James Russell