THERE'S something about grown men stripping off on stage which brings out the raucous side in women.

And the female-packed audience at the New Victoria Theatre in Woking awaiting the stage production of The Full Monty was already in boisterous spirits before so much as a glimpse of g-string.

Adapting the highest-grossing British comedy of all time to the stage was a brave move. Bravest of all was relocating the action from Sheffield to America

Pivotal to the film's original charm was its gritty northern setting and warm, earthy humour played out against the beautiful steely backdrop of West Yorkshire.

But despite the initial culture shock, the production soon settles into its new location with ease; the strength of the story-line shone through even in the most unfamiliar territory.

The original script is closely adhered to, telling the story of six unemployed men, depressed and disillusioned with their lot, who turn to stripping in a last-ditch attempt to earn some quick cash.

They bare everything to guarantee a good turnout of local women, which leads to the show's ubiquitous title.

Central to its warm-hearted (and unique) appeal is that these flawed, ordinary men, "warts and all" find themselves in a field which is usually the domain of the buffed and preened Adonis.

At the heart of the action is Jerry Lukowski whose juvenile outlook on life has led him to messy divorce and who is embroiled in a custody battle over his adored son, Nathan.

He needs to raise enough money to allow him joint custody and after witnessing the popularity of a professional strip show, decides he can do the same.

He ropes in five unlikely suspects who have never gyrated or strutted in their lives to join him to form "Hot Metal". Their attempts to hone their limited skills, beautifully played by all actors, had the audience in hysterics throughout.

Inextricably linked to the more obvious comic touches are the sad, personal stories behind the main characters, touchingly and skilfully performed by a fine cast without descending into sentimentality.

Prolonged unemployment has led to troubled marriages, double lives, depression, and even a suicide attempt.

It is perhaps the greatest irony of the story that stripping off in front of a crowd of baying women restores their lost pride and self-esteem

Tim Rogers as Jerry and Sion Lloyd as his fat, depressed friend Dave, were particularly impressive showing deft comic timing and depth of emotion.

Cheryl McAvoy as Vicki Nichols, unaware that her husband has been out of work for six months, was also outstanding.

The only real weakness, which was unfortunate for a musical, was the score.

The film's soundtrack was bursting with hits from the likes of Tom Jones and Hot Chocolate and classics such as Leave Your Hat On.

The stage production used an original score, and the numbers, although delivered with gusto and commitment, lacked the immediacy required to make the choreography come alive.

But all is redeemed with the show's strip-show finale which prompted the loudest and most enthusiastic response I have ever have witnessed at the New Victoria Theatre. You will not know where to look.

You can peep until Saturday, September 18.