Play of the week: The Full Monty, various venues
As artistic director Daniel Evans points out, The Full Monty is a pretty unusual feel-good comedy. It mines its laughs from depression and confusion, forging joy from the spirit of men who refuse to be crushed by the wheels of post-industrialism.
It is impossible not to be drawn to the protagonists as they embark on a journey from redundancy to redemption down the social club.
Leading a great cast, Kenny Doughty's Gaz mobilises his motley band of performers with irrepressible charm.
The big scene at the end, meanwhile, employs a thrilling perspective switch. Chuffing brilliant.
Hippodrome, Birmingham (0844 338 5000) ends tonight; Hippodrome, Bristol (0844 871 3012) Tue to 9 Mar; then touring (fullmontytheplay.com)
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies