WORCESTER Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS) must possess the bravest amateur actors in the land.

How else can one explain men of a certain age, who don’t do this for a living, happily baring all for this full-frontal production?

For, unlike many of WODS’ previous productions, this is not a family show. It’s not even a show for those with weak stomachs. But it is for everyone who wants a good laugh as the cold winter nights draw in.

Anyone who has seen the film of the same name will already be familiar with the plot – unemployed men stage a strip show to raise cash – though will probably be thrown by the fact that the musical is set in America.

One of the few aspects that could have used work were the accents, which unfortunately slipped now and then.

Most of the leads were very confident – and so they should be, as this is the second time WODS have staged this show in as many years. I thought it was a shame, however, that most of the leads were played by the same people as before, rather than giving others the chance to shine.

That aside, this was a very professional show.

Laura Synnuck wouldn’t be out of place in the West End, while Sarah Hadley was entertaining as the glamorous wife of former mill supervisor Harold. The duet between these two was a highlight of the show.

The set was very impressive and the backstage crew did a great job of moving everything along swiftly, so each scene moved seamlessly into the next.

Apart from the few glitches, there was little to distinguish this from a professional show and WODS should be very proud of this riotous evening of barefaced entertainment.

The Full Monty runs until Saturday.