A Wyong Drama Group Production
NOVEMBER 2023
by arrangement with the Author
Welcome to "The Full Monty", an exhilarating journey of resilience and friendship. We're honored to be the exclusive Australian theatre company presenting this remarkable play, thanks to the gracious approval of writer Simon Beaufoy.
Our dedicated cast and crew have poured their hearts into this production, and we're thrilled to share their talent and hard work with you. Darren Disney's choreography adds an extra layer of magic to the show, bringing the characters' journeys to life through dance.
As you watch our characters evolve and form deep connections on stage, we hope you'll be moved and inspired by the enduring strength of the human spirit. Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable ride.
Please refrain from photographing or video recording our Cast in Action!
In the heart of Sheffield, England, a group of unemployed steelworkers find themselves in dire straits, grappling with the grim realities of unemployment. Faced with financial woes, eroded self-esteem, and the societal pressure to conform to traditional notions of masculinity, these six men navigate the tumultuous waters of uncertainty.
However, in a moment of inspiration, they decide to embark on an unconventional journey towards financial salvation. Inspired by a chance encounter at a local strip club, they hatch a bold and daring plan to put on a burlesque show. Their aim: to shed not only their clothes but also the weight of societal expectations, and in doing so, rediscover their sense of self-worth and camaraderie.
As they prepare for their audacious performance, the characters confront their insecurities, vulnerabilities, and personal demons, forging a deep and enduring bond in the process. The journey becomes a touching exploration of friendship, self-discovery, and the resilience of the human spirit.
Back in the mid-90s, I was unexpectedly kicking my heels in Sheffield. My girlfriend was in hospital and there wasn’t much to do in between visiting hours other than wander. It was a city literally being demolished in front of my eyes; there was a sort of grim theatricality to watching the wrecking ball take down another steel mill. Fifteen years of the Conservatives’ determination to allow heavy industry to collapse had left the north of England devastated. Men who had done the same job as their father and grandfather were now in a sort of shock, at a loss as to what to do with their lives, unsure of their place in the world.
The whole idea of male strippers wasn’t terribly interesting to me initially – the Chippendales were old news by then – until our astute producer, Uberto Pasolini, asked: “What’s happened to the British man that he’d take his clothes off for money? In Italy this would never happen!” Suddenly, everything clicked. I thought: what if we put it in the context of what was happening in Sheffield? What if we made taking your clothes off a metaphor for desperation, a loss of identity that working-class men from the steelworks had had stripped away from them by a government that appeared indifferent to the effects of their policies? Suddenly, we had comedy, politics and pathos all coalescing.
Red Tree Theatre and Wyong Drama Group acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live, the Darkinjung people. We pay our respects to the Elders past and present and recognise the continuing connection and contribution to this land.
Web hosting and additional resources provided by CoastBoxOffice.com. Additional background imagery licensed for "The Full Monty" by CoastBoxOffice.com from iStock by Getty Images.
"The Full Monty" is presented by Wyong Drama Group through direct arrangement with the Author, Simon Beaufoy.
The decline of the steel industry in Yorkshire during the 1990s significantly reshaped the region's economic landscape, leading to job losses and economic challenges. It compelled Yorkshire to explore new avenues for growth and development as it adapted to the changing economic realities of the era.
Communities that had long depended on the steel industry for employment and stability were suddenly thrust into transition. High unemployment led to social and economic challenges as these communities grappled with the loss of their primary source of livelihood.
The government, both at the national and local levels, introduced various initiatives aimed at mitigating unemployment. These initiatives included job retraining programs, financial support, and investment in new industries. The success of these efforts varied across different areas and among individuals. Some communities and workers successfully transitioned to new industries, finding employment in fields unrelated to steel. However, for others, reemployment remained a significant challenge, as their skills and experience did not readily translate to the emerging sectors.
The Yorkshire accent is a wonderful thing and can be confusing to outsiders. You could spend years in a town and then when you move a few miles down the road you’ll find that these Yorkshire folk use a whole host of different phrases to where you’ve just been. There are some similarities between Yorkshire accents, but despite the differences, the language is just as beautiful.
Friendliness and politeness are heavily implied. Anyone can be called "LOVE", "M’LOVE" "PAL" or "FELLA", it’s one of the things that makes Yorkshire folk seem so friendly. Any compliment given is laced with true and deep feeling – otherwise you wouldn’t get one.
Be Reyt | A response to when things are going wrong Bog | Off to the toilet Chuffin’ | The Yorkshire way of using the F-word without using it Divvy | You are very foolish Ey up | The Yorkshire greeting Gander | To have a look for something Hell Fire | Oh my God Kegs | Trousers Mithering | Annoying or bothering Nowt / Owt | Nowt means nothing and owt means anything Ow Much | The Yorkshire cry when something is expensive Summat | Something Sup | What is wrong with you Ta’ra | See you later
Wyong Drama Group, a beacon of theatrical excellence, has been at the forefront of the performing arts scene for over 75 years. With a rich history steeped in passion and creativity, our group has consistently delivered captivating performances that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Founded on the principles of community, collaboration, and artistic innovation, Wyong Drama Group has remained committed to providing a platform for local talent to shine. Our dedication to nurturing emerging artists while engaging seasoned professionals has been the cornerstone of our success.
In each production, we strive to transport audiences to new worlds, evoke powerful emotions, and inspire a love for the performing arts. Our commitment to excellence is unwavering, and our mission is clear: to ignite the stage with storytelling that leaves a lasting impact.
As we continue our journey in the world of theatre, we invite you to join us for an exciting season of entertainment that promises to be a testament to our enduring dedication to the arts. Thank you for your support, and we look forward to sharing the magic of the stage with you.
Photography by Shayne Leslie. Graphics by Gerard Dunning. Copyright ©2023, CoastBoxOffice.com
Red Tree Theatre offers rehearsal, office, and meeting spaces, training rooms, exhibition space, and a 130-seat theatre that can be used for performances, concerts, productions, as well as seminars, presentations, and conferences. The foyer and entrance area host art exhibitions, and The Monkey Bar is a space for celebrating openings and award ceremonies, as well as interval refreshments during performances. Over the past three years, the venue has become a popular destination for community members, with over 10,000 visitors annually. It is a welcoming, relaxed space where people can come together to share their interests and passions, address community issues, and foster creativity.
It seems to be the evolving trend in theatre. The days when you had to purchase a souvenir program in order to learn more about the show are quickly disappearing. We wanted everyone to have the opportunity to get the "Fuller Monty" in a format you can share, with more interactivity and richer content. Your feedback is valued and we'd love to hear what you think of it.
The entire "Full Monty" team would like to thank you for supporting this production. We hope you have a top chuffin' time!
"The Full Monty" is presented by Wyong Drama Group through direct arrangement with the Author (Simon Beaufoy)
Digital Programme Copyright © 2023, Coast Box Offce. All Rights Reserved
Please respect other patrons when listening to "The Full Monty" Soundtrack. Save it for the trip home eh?
The characters in "The Full Monty" remind us that life is full of challenges, and sometimes, the path to triumph is anything but conventional. Just as these characters strip away their insecurities, societal expectations, and self-doubt, they uncover the raw, unfiltered truth of who they are. In doing so, they find their own unique power.
This story resonates deeply in today's world, where we're constantly bombarded with images of perfection, often creating unrealistic expectations and deep-seated insecurities. "The Full Monty" challenges us to confront these insecurities head-on, to unapologetically be ourselves, and to find strength in our vulnerabilities.
In the world of theatre, actors often face countless challenges, from mastering complex scripts to embodying diverse characters. But for those who dare to bare it all on stage, the challenge takes on a whole new level of vulnerability and courage.
Stripping on stage isn't just about shedding layers of clothing; it's a profound act of artistic expression, a captivating dance between actors and their audience. These brave thespians tackle not only the physical demands of the performance but also the emotional journey that comes with it.
As they shed their inhibitions along with their costumes, these actors become a living testament to the power of art and the human spirit. It's a reminder that in the world of theatre, boundaries are meant to be pushed, taboos are meant to be shattered, and the courage of performers knows no bounds.
So, next time you see an actor bravely baring it all under the spotlight, remember that they're not just disrobing; they're revealing a piece of their soul, and that's a truly remarkable feat in the world of entertainment.
