It's amazing what some actors will do for art - after some gentle persuasion from their director.

For three amateur actors in the Foxwood Community Centre's production of Shakespeare's The Tempest are about to reveal all - Full Monty style.

Chris Rowson, Frank Brogan and Simon Black - although understandably reluctant - have been persuaded by director Sharon Scott and other cast members to sacrifice modesty for the sake of realism and perform nude when they perform at The Joseph Rowntree Theatre for three nights.

Sharon said: "The nude scene actually fits into the production quite well because the characters will have just been led into a bog and they will have a lot of mud on them so they take off their clothes.

"Also, I thought it would be a lot of fun for the characters to get their clothes off."

Chris, who plays the part of Stephano in the play, took a philosophical view of the decision that he should bare more than his soul.

"Since The Full Monty was released it has become more acceptable for people to take their clothes off," he said.

But all three actors admitted that with only one day to go before the play opens, they wished they had gone to the gym.

"I think we would have all felt better with a tan, but we're going to be covered in mud so it shouldn't matter that much," said Simon, a first timer to nude acting.

"If it's an elderly audience I'm not sure they'll make it," he added.

The Tempest opens tomorrow night at The Joseph Rowntree Theatre, Haxby Road, York, and runs until Saturday. All performances are at 7.30pm, and tickets are £2.50, £1 for students and children, from York Theatre Royal or on the door on the night.

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