SPARKS weren’t the only things flying during the Full Monty on Monday night: belts, hats and even tiny red thongs went flying off into the crowd when the fun-filled production took to the stage.

The hit show steals the audience’s hearts as it follows a group of out-of-work friends, all of whom are struggling to make ends meet after Thatcher’s time in power. With job losses left, right and centre, the men turn to stripping to ease their money woes.

It was a laugh a minute as the group prepared for their one-night-only show, fighting off family troubles and personal issues as they go. Front man Gary Lucy - who plays ultimate ‘wide boy’, Gaz - injected the perfect amount of charisma and charm into the role, melting hearts with his on-stage son Nathan, played by Reiss Ward.

Turmoils and troubles were all forgotten when the men reappeared on stage, strutting their stuff to Tom Jones’ infamous ‘you can leave your hat on’. If the audience weren't already invested in the show, they were now.

Cheers and screams erupted round the Empire as the cast whipped off their last scraps of clothing to a standing ovation. A wonderful performance of a classic tale. 5 stars.

* Until Saturday, March 25. Tickets at the Box Office on High Street West, 0844 871 3022 or at www.ATGtickets.com/Sunderland

Review: Sophie Dawson