Full Monty Show To Close After Just One Month

Cast members from the West End's Full Monty show have been left shocked after learning it will close just a month after opening.

The show, at the Noel Coward Theatre, received positive reviews after coming to London following its debut in Sheffield and a subsequent tour.

But it has now been revealed that the last performance will be on Saturday, March 29, three months earlier than planned, due to poor ticket sales.

Last week, The Full Monty, adapted for stage by the Oscar-winning writer of the film Simon Beaufoy, was nominated for a best new comedy Olivier award.

Kenny Doughty, who plays Gaz in the tale about six unemployed Sheffield steelworkers, wrote on Facebook on Sunday: "I'm devastated and heartbroken.

"Yesterday, on the day we had two full houses and two standing ovations. In the week our play got an Olivier nomination we were given the shocking news that the play is being pulled.

"I am so incredibly proud of this play and everybody in the Full Monty company. We delivered night after night. The audiences loved it. We got amazing reviews. An Olivier nomination.

"We deserved better," he added.

Producers David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers commented: "It is with great sadness that this show will close despite having played to packed houses on its UK tour. Simply not enough of a West End audience shared in the excitement of this terrific production."

The Full Monty will return in September with a 32-week UK tour which starts in Manchester.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's Stephen Ward musical is also closing on March 29, after just four months in the West End.

And the Queen show We Will Rock You will close on May 31 after 12 years on stage and 4,600 performances.

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