THE Full Monty is a show which has the feel good factor.
Based on the box-office hit of the same name, created 20 years ago, it is one of those productions that works just as a well on the stage.
It is down to the concise writing by Simon Beaufoy and the combined polished performances.
This superb touring version never disappoints the audience - nearly three quarters female - from start to finish.
Louis Emerick in 'The Full Monty' which is on at the Liverpool Empire this week
Many were clearly in the mood for dancing - but this time in seeing a variety of men gyrate, boogie and then attempt sexy stripteases.
But peel away the strip side of things and the timeless back-story focuses on a never-say-die attitude.
There's also family loyalty, pride, courage and plenty of bare-faced cheek - amongst other things.
The six males each flesh out their characters wonderfully - notably Gary Lucy as Gaz and Chris Fountain as Guy.
Some gained impromptu 'whoops' and rude heckling on arrival.
Andrew Dunn's gnome-loving Gerald has some very funny lines.
And the scene in the job centre - faithful to the film is a highlight for the inventive dance movements.
Reiss Ward, one of the young lads who play Nathan on rotation, proved an instant hit with the wide-aged group audience.
We hear Margaret Thatcher's defiant 'this lady's not-for-turning' speech as the curtain raises to reveal a dark, decaying, window-shattered Sheffield steel factory.
This clever two-tier set from Robert Jones also becomes a night club and job centre.
The story revolves around six redundant Sheffield steelworkers who are at their wits' end.
But inspired by the success of The Chippendales they reluctantly decide to create a strip act called The Steel Bums for a one-off, money-spinning show.
Two of the stars are Wirral-based.
Louis Emerick is likeable Horse and Pauline Fleming is as scene-stealing as ever as spend-thrift Linda and two other roles.
Ian West provides cracking chorepography - dance seqences to the music of Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones.
Director Jack Ryder leads cast and audience to a fab frenetic funale were the brave men of steel get their collective kits off to wild applause and a standing ovation.
Full on Entertainment!
Five stars
The show is at the Liverpool Empire until Saturday.
Tickets from box office 0844 8713017
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