It’s a phrase which has entered the annals. And The Full Monty is as popular on stage as it was on the film screen.
The shrill blast of a factory whistle, followed by a snatch of Margaret Thatcher’s famous, “The lady’s not for turning” speech, instantly transported the audience back to post-industrial Sheffield, a time when many men found themselves on the scrap heap.
The sound of the former PM’s voice sparked loud booing from the largely female audience – but this was quickly replaced by cheering as one by one, a host of well-known actors appeared on stage.
Gary Lucy (Eastenders, The Bill, Dancing on Ice) played Gaz, a devoted but hapless dad who had lost his job, his wife (to another man) – and all hope of finding work. His best pal Dave (Kai Owen) was also struggling to come to terms with not working which has caused problems at home and made him overeat.
They were not alone – all their former factory colleagues were struggling to cope, including ex-foreman Gerald, brilliantly played by Andrew Dunn (Dinnerladies, Coronation Street), who six months on, still hadn’t found the courage to tell his snobby wife he was unemployed.
Their days are long, boring and desperate and spent mostly at the Job Club. When things are really tight, a few turn to stealing to make ends meet. For some, like Lomper (Anthony Lewis) suicide seems like the better option.
On paper, the story sounded depressing, but because it was laced with pathos and rich in gritty humour, it was heartwarming and very funny.
Seeing how their wives and girlfriends reacted when exotic male dance troupe The Chippendales hit town, Gaz persuaded his pals they could make lots of money by putting on their own strip show, and, for one night only, they opt for “the full Monty” and get totally naked.
The auditions were hilarious. Seeing the six pals, who call themselves “Buns of Steel” go through their paces and learn the dance routines was laugh-out-loud funny, while the famous scene, where they began dancing to Donna Summer’s hit, Hot Love, while standing in the queue at the Unemployment Exchange, almost brought the house down.
But it was the final few minutes of the show that everyone was really waiting for. At this point, the Inverness audience became the audience of the working men’s club in Sheffield where the lads were about to appear.
The final scene didn’t disappoint and almost immediately the audience were on their feet, whooping, cheering and clapping long after the final curtain fell.
A very strong cast pulled of that tricky act of making it all look natural and effortless, as if it was happening for the first time right in front of your eyes.
Special praise went to nine-year-old Felix Yates who played Nathan, the son who never lost faith in his dad.
Simon Beaufoy’s The Full Monty is at Eden Court in Inverness until Saturday, October 22.
The show is largely sold out, but it may be worth checking with the Box Office for returns on 01463 234234.