Interview:
The Full Monty Cast on what to expect
of the new touring production
The Full Monty
Newcastle Theatre Royal
Tuesday 27 February – Saturday 2 March
2024 |
THE FULL MONTY. Bill Ward, Danny Hatchard, Neil Hurst, Nicholas Prasad
and Leyon Stolz-Hunter. |
Based
on the 1997 smash-hit film, still very much of our time, The Full Monty visits Newcastle Theatre
Royal promising laughter, heart and unforgettable moments.
The
new production of the award-winning play features TV favourites Danny Hatchard
(EastEnders), Jake Quickenden (X Factor, I’m A Celebrity…) and Bill
Ward (Emmerdale, Coronation Street). We
caught up with the cast to chat about bringing the production across the
country and why this heartwarming comedy is still relevant to audiences
today...
25
years since the movie, The Full Monty is having a resurgence, with the Disney+
spin-off series and this new touring production. Why do you think the story has
stood the test of time?
Danny Hatchard: Is there a more iconic working-class comedy
than The Full Monty? I’d argue not. Especially one that covers so many
incredibly important topics that are still very relevant today… Fathers’
rights, depression, suicide, impotence, homosexuality, unemployment, body
image. Tackling important subjects like these whilst adding a sprinkle of
nostalgia and a dash of humour takes the audience on a 2-hour emotional
rollercoaster filled with tears and belly laughter. This show is not only a
cocktail of excellence, but also hugely relatable to both men and women.
Jake Quickenden: It’s a story for everyone and it has everything
– love, humour, sensitive subjects, the lot. So many people can relate to the
characters, they draw on relationships that affect everyone, ex-wife, ex-wife’s
new husband, kid that lives with mum, lads, being skint, the list goes on and
on. It means that’s everyone who watches it can feel like its speaking to them,
and then of course, there is the brilliant humour, the dancing and everything
that goes with it!
Bill Ward: Because at its core it revolves around a number of universal, timeless
themes: male brotherhood, love, overcoming loss and adversity, and ingenious
solutions to universal recognisable problems. This is essentially about 6 men
who’ve lost not only their jobs, but their sense of identity and their dignity.
And what they’re prepared to do to get them back. |
| Bill Ward, Danny Hatchard, Nicholas Prasad, Neil Hurst and Leyon Stolz-Hunter. |
The play is ultimately a comedy but explores
some tough issues around male body image and mental health. In what ways do you
think the themes within the production are relevant for audiences today?
DH:
They’re almost indistinguishable. If anything, times are harder now on men (and
women) than they ever have been, especially regarding body image and mental
health - social media being the main driving force of that. Every day people
post their idea of “perfection” all over the internet, and naturally we
compare. I’d say The Full Monty is just as important now as it was 25 years
ago. There used to be more of a sense of community and care for one another,
and I feel social media is pushing us further and further away from our natural
way of communicating. The Full Monty is a hilarious, thought-provoking show
that will make you feel part of a community again. Who doesn’t want to
experience that?
JQ:
A lot of people ask this, and do you know, I think it led the way with a lot of
these conversations – it was 97’ when then film came out, men didn’t really
share their issues with each other, and it was still pretty taboo to be open
about mental health and being gay. This story reminds us of lots of things that
are more accepted today, but still very important – talking to people if you
are feeling down – there is always another way out rather than suicide. Being
yourself in the world is nothing to be ashamed of. Your body is the only one
you have, love it no matter how it looks, everyone likes something different.
Just because you are old doesn’t mean you can’t do something… there are just so
many messages in here for everyone.
BW:
There are so many things in this play that resonate today. Simon Beaufoy, the writer,
came to see us during rehearsals, and he was very clear it wasn’t a comedy at
all. “A play with jokes”, is how he described it. It is of course very funny
indeed, but the comedy actually comes from the very real tragedy that all these
characters are facing in their lives… different circumstances, different
starting points, but real grief and tragedy nevertheless.
 |
| Danny Hatchard and Company |
There’s a brotherhood between the men in the
play – how well have you bonded with your cast members?
DH:
The casting team have done an incredible job. I love and respect every member
of this cast very much. They say time flies when you’re having fun. Well, 2
hours feels like 20 minutes onstage with this lot. We’re all just a bunch of
good mates having a wonderful time. Every scene feels effortless, and I trust
them all implicitly.
JQ: I
don’t want to sound cliché but literally everyone is so close. Usually, you get
little cliques growing but we all genuinely get on so well, and because a lot
of the scenes include all of us, we just have a laugh and get closer and closer
every day. Then there are all the memories we are making as we tour the UK and
all those different theatres, hotels, lunch breaks all end up building to
create this huge happy family. Plus, we are all hilarious which helps! I would
say Alice (Schofield) is the Robin to my Batman – we are joined at the hip!
BW:
This is a wonderful cast and crew. Hugely talented, and lovely too. We’re a
very happy band of sisters and brothers.
 |
| Bill Ward and Neil Hurst. |
How are you feeling about going on tour? What
are you most looking forward to about touring with this production?
DH:
Bigger audiences. When you know you’ve got something good you want to share it
with the world. So, the bigger the audience the better.
JQ:
It sounds obvious but literally being somewhere different every week or so
keeps the energy alive, we know that all the audiences are seeing it for the
first time, and it helps the electricity between us keep buzzing onstage. Plus,
we get a chance to potter about during the day and see all these different
places and hang out with cast members. It’s also pretty cool that friends and
family from all over the UK can try and get to a show as there is usually one
heading to a theatre near them.
BW:
There’s an awful lot of heart, warmth, and joy in this production, and it’s a
huge amount of fun to do. Sharing a bit of that with the good people of the UK
in these otherwise rather bleak times can only be a good thing.
 |
| Jake Quickenden. |
What do you hope audiences will take away from
seeing this production of The Full Monty?
DH:
Pure unadulterated happiness.
JQ:
The main thing is – be yourself, never give up, never listen to what anyone
thinks and just do you! The story is sad at times, but every character
overcomes their worries in some way and ends with success! It’s a feel-good
show which keeps people laughing even when they are crying.
BW:
This is a very beautiful, heartwarming and at times very moving story. It’s
also very, very funny indeed and an absolute riot at the end. A properly
banging night out at the theatre.
This fast
and funny play, still very much of our time, showcases friendship, resilience
and the power of self-discovery. A poignant tale with hilarious mishaps, and a
soundtrack including 80s and 90s classics, The Full Monty was a firm
audience favourite when it last visited Newcastle in 2019 and promises once
again to be a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs, laughs and heartbreak!
Photos: Ellie Kurttz
Tickets:
The Full Monty plays Newcastle Theatre Royal Tuesday 27 February –
Saturday 2 March 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the
Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.
