The critically acclaimed hit stage version of The Full Monty is to return to Manchester, with a week long run at Manchester Opera House.
Based on the hit 1997 British film about six out-of-work Sheffield steelworkers with nothing to lose, The Full Monty cast will be led by Gary Lucy (Danny Pennant in EastEnders, DS Will Fletcher in The Bill, Kyle Pascoe in Footballer’s Wives, Luke Morgan in Hollyoaks, winner of Dancing on Ice) as Gaz. He is joined by Joe Absolom (Matthew Rose in EastEnders and Al Large in Doc Martin) as Lomper and Andrew Dunn (best known as Tony in Dinnerladies and for his regular appearances playing Alastair Campbell on Bremner, Bird and Fortune) as Gerald. Also starring is Louis Emerick (Mick Johnson in Brookside and PC Walsh in Last of the Summer Wine) as Horse, Chris Fountain (best known for his roles as Justin Burton in Hollyoaks and Tommy Duckworth in Coronation Street, runner-up of Dancing on Ice) as Guy and Kai Owen (best known for his portrayal of Rhys in Torchwood and recently played Pete in Hollyoaks) as Dave.
The production has been adapted by Simon Beaufoy, the Oscar and BAFTA-winning writer of the film, who makes his first foray in to theatre and will feature the iconic songs from the film by Donna Summer, Hot Chocolate and Tom Jones.
The UK Tour of The Full Monty is directed by Jack Ryder. His directing credits include national tours of Calendar Girls and the short film Act of Memory with Claire Skinner, Owen Teale and Anna Massey, which was officially selected for nine international festivals around the world including the Cannes Film Festival. As an actor, Jack is probably best known as Jamie Mitchell in EastEnders, a role he played for four years.