It may have been sweltering outside, but that was nothing compared to the heat on stage at the Alhambra last night.

The opening night of a two-week run of The Full Monty - the musical version of the most successful British film comedy ever - was the hottest ticket in town. And a packed audience loved it.

The action is shifted to upstate New York (let's face it, musical comedy just isn't the same with South Yorkshire accents) but, like Sheffield, Buffalo is a steeltown with unemployment.

The accents may be American but there's no compromising the film's charm and warmth for schmaltz and showtunes. The score is rousing without being sentimental, the bawdy, uplifting and poignant songs reflect the desperation and humour of six out-of-work and out-of-shape men turning to stripping to earn some cash and a little self-respect.

It has the film's intimacy and humour, with many scenes the same, including the hilarious audition ("you don't dance, you don't sing, do you mind telling us what exactly you do?") but beautifully choreographed dance routines create a hugely entertaining theatrical experience.

Ultimately the show celebrates friendship, and the extraordinary lengths these ordinary men will go to earn a fast buck and restore pride in their lives.

Tim Rogers was superb as Jerry, a man struggling to prove himself to his young son. Great performances too from Sion Lloyd as Dave, Gareth Snook as Harold, David Danns as Horse, and Cheryl McAvoy and Melissa Jacques leading the strong female contingent.

This show is heartbreaking, funny and sexy. These are characters we care about, and flawless performances did them proud.

So did we get the Full Monty at the end? Well, get yourself along to find out. Let's just say there were some very big smiles on the faces of the largely female masses pouring out of the Alhambra at 10.30pm.

Runs until June 26.

Emma Clayton