Show goes all the way

This show started life as the poignant, bitter-sweet 1997 film about redundant Sheffield steel workers trying to improve their bank-balances and their self-esteem by forming a male strip group, with a side-swipe at the bleak reality of Thatcherite economic policy.

This version has been translated to the upstate New York steel community of Buffalo, and although much of the plot remains some may think the language and nudity in this one is definitely more raunchy than the original.

Not that last night’s audience seemed to mind. There were some gasps here and there, but also a lot of cheers and whistles for the brave men who end up naked.

Tim Brown, John Wetherall, Peter Worrall, Dave Storey, Callum Mc Arthur and Michael Brown all give quite stunning performances, and Chris Sandhu, as their madcap accompanist, makes the most of her comic opportunities.

Director and choreographer Mike Capri ensures that everything runs at a cracking pace and musical director Jonathan Hill draws an impressive performance from his orchestra.

A most revealing evening. Runs until Saturday. Call 01902 429212.

By Jerald Smith