THEATRE-goers saw The Full Monty last night when Mark Addy returned home to open a new drama venue.

The York-born actor, who starred in the hit British comedy about Sheffield steelworkers, and new jousting blockbuster A Knight's Tale, opened the new studio at the Theatre Royal.

With seating on three sides, the studio theatre almost entirely encloses the actors, creating more intimate performances.

Mark said: "In 1979 I did my work experience in this very room when it was the paint workshop. This new theatre space is fantastic and will work well alongside the main house."

John Godber's Happy Jack is the stage's opening production and can be seen in repertoire until November 2, along with Arthur Smith's Live Bed Show and Enda Walsh's Disco Pigs.

Contact the box office on 01904 623568.

Updated: 11:37 Thursday, September 06, 2001