The Gilbert & Sullivan Society of Bermuda is looking for a brand new star to take one of the lead roles in its upcoming production, 'The Full Monty', which will run from October 8-18 at City Hall Theatre.

The musical is based on the original English film about unemployed steel workers who hatch a daring plan to regain respect within their community.

The last scene finishes with a no-holds-barred strip, giving the show its name. However, the British production team are keen to point out that this is not cheap entertainment.

The director, Matt Eames, who has most recently been working in London's West End, said: "The Full Monty is an excellent musical with a heartwarming story, and is certainly no less worthy than more traditional shows. It is a tale of how far a father will go for the love of his son. Jerry and his friends all represent a disadvantaged community who have lost their jobs and all sense of themselves as men.

"Yes, the show finishes with a strip but it is all done in a humorous way, and is definitely not gratuitous. It is such a small section of the show that it would be a shame if anyone had the wrong impression. It is more 'Calendar Girls' than 'The Rocky Horror Show'!"

Mr. Eames and musical director Andrew Hilton were in Bermuda in May to cast the roles, but are still looking for the lead character, Jerry.

"The standard was extremely high, and we cast every other part, but we didn't see anyone suitable for the part of Jerry," Mr. Hilton said. "It is a demanding role, requiring a high, rock voice and good acting skills. Jerry is a regular guy with lots of flaws, and he as real trouble maintaining a relationship with his son and ex-wife, whom he still loves. He is a complete dreamer, and losing his job has only made him worse, but ultimately he is the hero of the story."

If you are interested in auditioning, are aged 30-45, and free to rehearse in the evenings from August 25, please contact producer Marjorie Stanton on 295-3218.

"This is a brilliant opportunity for an amateur actor/singer in Bermuda to play a great role in a fantastic show, and in doing so work with a West End director and musical director," Mrs. Stanton said.