JOE had a chat with actor Roger Morlidge on getting his kit off on stage, how he had to manscape and working with the writer of The Full Monty movie.
By Genna Patterson
The World Premiere of The Full Monty is coming to Dublin’s Bord Gais Energy Theatre for one week only from Monday, 8th – Saturday, 13th April 2013. Joe spoke with British actor Roger Morlidge, who plays the role of Dave. Morlidge has had roles in many movies and TV shows over the years, most notably in Sherlock (2002) alongside James D’Arcy, Coronation Street and Shakespeare in Love (1998).
JOE: You play Dave in the stage version of The Full Monty. Did you watch the movie and Mark Addy’s performance for inspiration?
ROGER: No! I’ve not seen the film since it first came out.
JOE: Does the stage version differ much from the movie?
ROGER: Yes and no! You meet the same characters and follow the same story but the show has more of a political edge to it and explores the impact of life in the recession of the 1980’s in more depth.
JOE: Do you have to do full nudity? If yes, were you worried it will become like a Chippendales show with women clawing to get onstage?
ROGER: We’ve not had women actually clawing to get on stage but it can get a bit rowdy! None of us really knew what to expect and the first night, a Saturday, did feel like we’d gone out into the Coliseum to face the lions!
JOE: How did you get the part? Did you have to strip in the audition?
ROGER: I was asked to do a read through last April. It was the first time Simon Beaufoy had heard the play read and he really liked what I did: and that was that…! Fortunately I never had to strip!
JOE: Do you have a wife/girlfriend? How does she feel about you getting your kit off every night for strangers?
ROGER: The last time I got my kit off for a job was in a film called “Things to Do Before You’re 30” when I was naked in front of Billie Piper – I don’t think my wife is bothered about me getting naked in front of anyone after that!
JOE: Do you have to get waxed/shaved for the role?
ROGER: I didn’t have to but it would have been a bit grim if I hadn’t! On the other hand we’re not supposed to look like models; so I have a quick go over with the trimmer now and again!
JOE: When the movie first came out, did you think ‘that’s what I want to do someday?’
ROGER: No! I remember thinking I wish I’d been in it. The play has only existed for the last couple of years so it was never something I could aspire to.
JOE: How long is the show touring?
We are on the road till May.
JOE: What’s the best part of being in The Full Monty?
ROGER: It’s been great to work on a brand new play and have the writer with you. You really are creating something new. Plus the lads I’m working with are great and we’ve had a fun time doing it.
JOE: Have you any previous experience of stripping or did you have to learn from scratch?
ROGER: This is the 4th time I’ve been naked for work so that bit was fine but I’ve not had to learn a dance routine for nearly 20 years since I was at drama school. We were lucky that we had a great choreographer to get us into shape.
JOE: What is next for you after the show?
ROGER: Not sure yet! We’re still waiting to hear if the show is transferring to the West End; if it does that’ll be me stripping till this time next year.
JOE: Would you consider a career as a stripper full time having gained experience in the show?
ROGER: I’m not sure I’d make a great living as a stripper outside the confines of The Full Monty!
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