The Full Monty Review, Nov 2014 - The Daily Echo

Originally set in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, the tale of six redundant steelworkers combining to perform a striptease- routine was a blockbuster film and this musical version, relocated to Buffalo, Western New York, proves equally popular.

The girls performing 'It's a Woman's World'

Ian Moseley as Malcolm with Jerry and Dave

The men performing 'The Goods'

Paul Morris as Jerry Lukowski and John Eddie as Dave Bukatinsky provide the lions-share of the action.

Holly Reedman and Laura Newborough feature strongly as their wives and the rest of the guys, Richard Bond (Harold), Ian Moseley (Malcolm), Bryn Hughes (Ethan) and Tim Bill (Horse) all have their moments.

Kathy May- Miller has a ball as fading pianist Jeanette and it was a pleasure to again see Sally Manning (as Vicki).

The (predominantly female) audience loved every minute of a good- looking production.

Alan Johns

The Full Monty review, Nov 2016 - Newbury Weekly News

Dazzled by the big reveal! Standing ovation for BATS bravery in taking on The Full Monty.

Wow - it's a while since I have had such a good time at the theatre.  BATS took on the challenge of this gritty, poignant and hilarious show with such aplomb.

Not one for your maiden aunt perhaps, with its fruity dialogue and subject matter (though I could be wrong, judging by the large female contingent in the audience) but with terrific cast and hugely appreciative audience - it was a night to remember.

The men performing the final strip number

Based on the 1997 British Film, in this musical version of the action is switched to Buffalo, US. It mirrors the film plot, with six out-of-work steelworkers deciding to form a strip act to make some money. As they rehearse for the show, they expose their fears, self-consciousness, and personal back-stories (among other things), but ultimately find strength in their camaraderie.

The actors playing the six main characters - Paul Morris (Jerry Lukowski), John Eddie (Dave Bukatinsky), Richard Bond (Harold Nichols), Ian Moseley (Malcolm MacGregor), Bryn Hughes (Ethan Girard) and Tim Bell (Noah 'Horse' T Simmons) are to be congratulated on their individual portrayals, all of which were simply excellent, and particularly their commitment to the routines, - anything less than 100% and it wouldn't have worked.

The female roles were equally excellent, notably Holly Reedman (Georgie Bukatinsky), Laura Newborough (Pam Lukowski), Kathy May-Miller (Jeanette Burmeister) and the powerhouse that was Sally Manning (Vicki Nichols). There were numerous smaller characters of both genders and a superb ensemble - all maintaining the highest standards.

LtoR - Estelle, Pam, Nathan and Jerry

The girls performing 'Its a Woman's World'

The men and girls performing 'The Goods'

With great vocals, routines and a tight band all under the expert control of musical director, Julie Dance, fantastic humour, an effective set (with loads of well-handled scene changes), and incredible lighting, it really was one of which director and choreographer, Martyn Knight must be congratulated - together with BATS for taking on the challenge.

The final 'full monty' was cleverly and skilfully handled, with the audience dazzled by the lights as the boys did the actual 'deed', all prompting a thoroughly well-deserved rapturous standing ovation.

This was BATS in tip-top form.

Trevor Dobson

Pre-audition Workshops for Spamalot have begun!

BATS' next show is the award-winning musical, Spamalot, taking place in May 2017... and with auditions taking place in January, our pre-audition workshops are now underway.

Inspired by the classic film comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Spamalot is a musical which hilariously sends up everything we love (or perhaps don't love?!) about the theatre, while telling the legendary tale of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table.

Spamalot audition poster

There are some fantastic roles to be filled (male and female) and this is where you come in. Are you interested in auditioning?  To find out more, do come along to one of our preview workshops to meet our members and to get the opportunity to learn the audition pieces, where our Director, Musical Director and Choreographers will be there to guide you through.

We are also looking for strong male dancers, so please spread the word to help us to cast another great show!

Paul Morris talks to the Basingstoke Observer about The Full Monty

“The feel of the show naturally leads to audience participation, something we encourage and that really helps the six guys through the challenge of the final scene.”

With opening night less than a week away, Basingstoke Observer's James Richings interviews Paul Morris, who plays the leading role of Jerry in The Full Monty.

Click here to read the interview!

Paul Morris in rehearsal as Jerry