The Full Monty is a theatre adaptation of the 1997 film of the same name; the show stars Gary Lucy, Louis Emerick, Andrew Dunn, Rupert Hill, Martin Miller and Bobby Schofield and also comes from the pen of Oscar-winning film-writer Simon Beaufoy (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours).

Set in the 1980s during the Thatcher years, when unemployment among the working class was rampant, we follow six jobless men (four of which are former steel workers) who make a desperate decision when Gaz (Gary Lucy) sees a financial opportunity to perform a striptease at a local pub. Although the plot is about male stripping, there is very little of that on stage with other themes in need of our attention... including homosexuality, unemployment and suicide. Normally you'd expect that unclothing these kind of subjects would be just a little more serious. However, the show downplays these issues with the mind of humour which is synonymous in the North.

The actors are all exceptional in equal measure. They worked well together and created the kind of chemistry which kept the audience engaged. Set design was phenomenal and the designers really made the most of the gritty glamour required. The theatre show retained a lot of the original dialogue and my only criticism would be Gerald (Andrew Dunn) calling Gaz and Dave (Martin Miller) ugly when most observers would feel the opposite is on display.

This is my idea of a perfect ladies night out, containing issues that are still just as relevant today as they were in 1997.

Runs until Saturday. Box Office 08448-112121 or theatreroyal.co.uk.

Emily Craig