They gave us the Full Monty but - to be honest - I would have been happier with half an hour less of it.

Though the show reminds us more than once, in a different context, that length is not important, I am afraid it is. Three hours is too long.

The musical translates to the stage - and to the US - the hugely popular British film that shows how a bunch of unemployed steelworkers regain their self-respect by forming themselves into a striptease troupe.

This slightly unlikely scenario becomes even more so when applied to redneck America. Would a country that rages over, for instance, Janet Jackson's boob-flashing possibly countenance a situation in which a gang of blokes can bare their all and be admired for it?

A similar suspension of disbelief must be practised in relation to the gay relationship that springs up to the joy of all (in working-class Buffalo!) between two of the strippers, pratfalling Ethan (Andrew Stott) and the nerdish Malcolm (Matt Lock).

None can deny the entertainment value of what has been produced.

David Yazbek's songs are well-made and witty, and Terrence McNally's book tells the stories (slightly too many stories) very successfully.

BMH Productions - an ambitious amateur group, whose third outing this is - get to grips with the show's many challenges in a most impressive way under director and choreographer Guy Brigg.

An onstage band of 11 (musical director Mark Denton) interprets the various styles of the score with considerable skill, and there are first-class performances from the young actors and singers.

Among these, Edward Blagrove and Andy Blagrove shine particularly brightly as the two pals, Dave Bukatinsky and Jerry Lukowski, who are the main focus of the drama.

Their difficult home-life - with partners played by Julia Seymore and Kerry Chaundy - is important in the action, as is Dave's weight problem.

It might not surprise you to discover, incidentally - in this parable of American dreams fulfilled - that to be a tub of lard (which Mr Blagrove is certainly not!) is an entirely valid lifestyle choice.

There are scene-stealing performances by Chilina Madon as the team's old trouper pianist, Gaurav Kumar as the black hoofer Horse, and Catherine Evans as the luxury-loving Vicki Nichols - wife of the middle-class Harold, the sixth and final member of the troupe, played by Dave Crewe.

The production runs until Saturday.