With the curtain soon rising on The Full Monty at the Manoel Theatre, director FRANCESCA BRIFFA shares the laughter, nostalgia and heart behind this stage adaptation of the iconic British film.
Audiences at MADC’s The Full Monty can soon look forward to an eye-opening night of theatre, as one of Britain’s most beloved comedy films hits the national stage in all its cheeky, heart-warming glory.
Written by Simon Beaufoy, the Oscar-winning writer behind the original cult classic film, the stage adaptation captures all the wit, warmth and working-class spirit that made the film a global phenomenon.
For Francesca Briffa, directing The Full Monty was an easy decision.
“I do my best to select plays I know audiences will enjoy and easily connect with,” she explains. “Not only is The Full Monty based on a much-loved film – one of my favourites, in fact – but Simon Beaufoy’s superbly written stage adaptation gives audiences a live version of the story.”
Set in Sheffield in the late 1990s, The Full Monty follows a group of unemployed steelworkers who, to make some quick cash, decide to lose more than their dignity – yet their money-making scheme quickly turns into a hilarious journey of friendship that endures through the toughest times.
Balancing the comedy and poignancy of the story is key.
“Although this play is set nearly 30 years ago, the themes of the story are still very relevant today,” Briffa shares. “Casting the right actors makes a huge difference. The talented cast understand their characters well and, because the script is so well written, the changes from humour to more serious matters have worked out beautifully.”
Francesca Briffa, the director of the production.The cast includes Alan Paris, Stephen Oliver, Brendon Thearle, Lewis Preston, Shaun Rizzo and Taha Chaudhry, alongside Pia Zammit, Coryse Borg, Steve Casaletto, Angelica Sant, Sarah Jane Zrinzo, Antonio Tufigno, Keira Galea, Richard Godden, Alan Azzopardi and Matthew Grech Marguerat, while Charlie Paris and Simon Tufigno share the role of ‘Nathan’.
“Casting experienced actors not only helps bring out the comedy in the show,” Briffa remarks. “They also have the knowledge to give more depth to their characters. This improves the level of those with less stage experience, to give an all-round performance for everyone.”
Rehearsals, meanwhile, have been full of laughs.
“The accents have certainly improved and the actors have learnt all their lines – well, nearly all!” Briffa giggles. “Now I can concentrate on getting more out of their characters, without over-rehearsing and killing the humour.”
Behind the scenes, Romualdo Moretti leads the set design, Nicole Cuschieri brings 1990s fashion to life through costume design, Chris Gatt designs the lighting, Stephen Oliver serves as dialect coach, and choreographer Sarah Jane Zrinzo ensures the show’s dance sequences deliver all the fun and energy of the story.
Briffa commends the creative team for going above and beyond to recreate the look and feel of the time.
“The music, costumes and props bring plenty of nostalgia. Cuschieri’s costume designs stay true to 1990s trends, although finding authentic items proved trickier than expected – what was once a common item of clothing, like a pair of jeans, is no longer a staple in everyone’s wardrobe! Our props supervisor Louise Azzopardi, along with her marvellous team, has also uncovered simple tech items like computer monitors, televisions and video players that were commonplace then, but are now difficult to find.”
Whether reliving the era or discovering The Full Monty for the first time, MADC’s production promises to inspire memories for some, and laughter for all, Briffa concludes.
“I hope the show brings back nostalgia for those who remember life in the late 20th century. But I know that all audiences will be leaving the theatre with a big smile on their faces!”
MADC’s production of Simon Beaufoy’s The Full Monty is being staged at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta, on October 24, 25, 26 and 31, and November 1 and 2, with all performances at 7.30pm. The production contains mature themes and nudity, and is suitable for audiences aged 16 and over. Tickets are available online at www.teatrumanoel.mt. This production of The Full Monty is presented by arrangement with Concord Theatricals Ltd on behalf of Samuel French Ltd: www.concordtheatricals.co.uk.