The Full Monty - reviews of 'feel-good' stage adaptation
Stage version of hit 90s film is bawdy, exuberant, feel-good entertainment that's impossible to dislike
What you need to know
A stage adaptation of the hit 1990s British film The Full Monty has opened at the Noel Coward Theatre, West End. The stage show is adapted by the original Academy award-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy.
The Full Monty tells the story of six unemployed Sheffield steelworkers who turn to stripping as a way to make money. Features songs by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones. Runs until 14 June.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
What the critics like
If ever a show had "big hit" written all over it then it is this "wonderfully entertaining and deeply touching" stage version of the successful British film The Full Monty, says Charles Spencer in the Daily Telegraph. Although this is a raucous comedy, bursting with wit, sauce and innuendo, it is also a work blessed with compassion.
Plays made from beloved films are so often redundant rehashes, but Simon Beaufoy's adaptation of his own screenplay, "proves to be an entertaining exception", says Dominic Maxwell in The Times. Bawdy, questioning and pacy, it's a snapshot of dole-queue deprivation, yet sends you out with a big grin.
This exuberant stage adaptation is almost a period piece now, but "each character is written and portrayed with individuality, gusto and charm", says Suzi Feay in the Financial Times. It's feel-good entertainment, impossible to dislike.
What they don't like
It is well directed and will probably make a packet but this jovial hen-party fiesta "feels like a missed opportunity", says Michael Billington in The Guardian. It could have been a chance to address the degradation of unemployment and to remind us of the ravages faced in the industrial north.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Nigeria's worsening rate of maternal mortality
Under the radar Economic crisis is making hospitals unaffordable, with women increasingly not receiving the care they need
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
'Elevating Earth Day into a national holiday is not radical — it's practical'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
UAW scores historic win in South at VW plant
Speed Read Volkswagen workers in Tennessee have voted to join the United Auto Workers union
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published
-
Atlantis Paradise Island Bahamas review: a mythical beachside resort
The Week Recommends Combine the classically simple pleasures of sun, sea and sand with upmarket fun and food
By Adrienne Wyper Published