Pub owner joins Full Monty cast (From Swindon Advertiser)

Pub owner joins Full Monty cast

7:00pm Sunday 7th October 2012 in News

A MUSICAL theatre company’s hunt for a hunk happy to take his clothes off on stage has ended successfully.

CLOGS’ production of The Full Monty, which will be performed in the Neeld Hall in Chippenham, was in need of a man to play the stripper who inspires a group of steel-workers to bare all for cash.

When pub owner and electrician Andy Pett’s partner Tiggy York heard about the role, she put him forward for it.

Mr Pett, who owns Riffs Bar in Greatfield, near Royal Wootton Bassett, said: “The wife of one of the guys doing the Full Monty works at Reach Inclusive Arts with my partner.

“My missus immediately said ‘Andy will do it!’ She came home and told me she’d volunteered me for it, and when I said ‘no way’ she said ‘At least you get to keep a thong on’. It didn’t cheer me up that much though.”

Not only does Mr Pett have to take his kit off to take on the role of Buddy ‘Keno’ Walsh, but he also has to practice an American accent for his scenes.

“The more I think about it, the more it scares the hell out of me,” the 45-year-old said.

“I’ve got to learn some lines as well. The bloke I’m playing is a professional stripper, which is even funnier. I’ve only got three weeks to go so I need to start rehearsing.”

When Mr Pett accepted the part, it was a shock to discover the performance will be on a big stage.

“This play has been done before in Christian Malford, but it was in a marquee in a back garden then,” he said.

But taking to the boards is not a new experience for Mr Pett, who sings and plays guitar with the Riffs Travelling Band in his pub twice a week.

He said: “I’ve never taken my clothes off on stage before though.”

The play will be performed at the Neeld Hall from October 17 to 21.

There are tickets left for each performance – call (01249) 701628 or book online at www.clogs-chippenham.co.uk Tickets are £14 in advance and there is a ten per cent discount for parties of 10 or more.