Stripping off a thong to "bare all" in the famous climax to The Full Monty holds no fear for Tim Bell. He's done it three times before!
"My first production was in Henley" says Tim, who runs his own printing and graphic design company in Reading." That was a big success so we staged it again the following year."
53 year old Tim played the role of Horse, one of six jobless steel workers who stage a strip show to earn some much needed cash.
"We all gelled very quickly," says Tim of his fellow actors. "You have to, when you're going to be naked together!"
Tim was next called upon to play the role in Llanelli, Wales, at three weeks' notice. Now he's joined the cast of Basingstoke Amateur Theatrical Society's production, which comes to the Haymarket this November.
But it's not proving an easy ride. "This time there's a lot more dancing! My first number is called Big Black Man, and there's a routine I have to perform which was cut in the previous versions I was in, so that's a new challenge. But I'm enjoying it!"
So what brings him back to The Full Monty again and again?
"Everyone can identify with the frustration of the guys out of work. It also tackles stereotypes, homosexuality, body issues. Plus it's really funny and you get to see some hot guys strip!" he laughs.
Judge for yourself when Tim and his fellow actors strut their stuff in The Full Monty at The Haymarket Theatre, Basingstoke from 16-26 November.