Dave's on the hunt for naked ambition

By Carly Udy
You don't have to be a bronzed adonis to feel sexy - or to get your kit off.
That's the opinion of director Dave Wilson, who is on the hunt for six "average, everyday" Tauranga blokes to recreate the 1997 movie hit, The Full Monty - on stage.
And yes, you will have to take it all off.
"Absolutely. It's not the half monty," he quipped.
Although he quickly added: "There will be strategically placed hats and lighting cues to protect the dignity of both cast and audience."
And if you're wondering who on earth would be brave enough to do such a thing, Mr Wilson said you'd be surprised.
"I'm really quite confident. This is the first time the phone has been ringing early with people wanting to be involved," he said.
"It's not just a strip review, it's a hell of a neat story about manhood ... It's all emotions, it's hilariously funny and desperately sad all in one go."
The Full Monty tells the tale of six unemployed steel workers, inspired by the Chippendale's dancers to form a male striptease act. To drum up interest, they boast they'll go "the full monty [nude]" something they hadn't planned and aren't sure they can deliver. Mr Wilson, who will direct the show with his wife, Lisa - both of whom are veteran stage directors and performers - said he got the idea to direct the "fabulously written" Full Monty after witnessing its success in Rotorua. It will be the Matua couple's fifth directed show.
"It's about trying to broaden the Tauranga audience that goes to the theatre," he said. "It is a very, very well known story and the whole world saw the movie."
The main characters include Dave, who's suffering from the "middle-age spread" and overcoming insecurities of his physical appearance.
Jerry, the lead character, is a former worker and about to lose his son because he can't pay for joint custody. Harold, once a big-time boss is struggling to pay for his wife's overspending. Horse in his 40s is "living the legend of the well-endowed black man but he's actually not". Malcolm, late 20s, lives at home and is a mummy's boy. Ethan is a similar age and "can't sing and can't dance but has one asset to be proud of".
There are also roles for 15 other males and females. Auditions will be in the second week of February. The show runs from June 6-9 at Baycourt. Anyone interested can phone 576 0536.