THEY might do it on Broadway, or in the West End, or even at The Mayflower theatre - but the Freemantle United Reformed Church Hall in Shirley?

Part-time amateur actors will be taking to the stage tonight in their latest production - stark naked.

It's enough to make the vicar blush.

Tonight is the opening night of Who Goes Bare?, a Carry On-style farce staged by am-dram theatre group ACTS, or Actors Co-operative Theatre in Shirley.

Based on the confusion between a health club and nudist colony, it's packed with plenty of comedy misunderstandings, "Ooh, Matron!" moments and towel-dropping shockers.

But while the professionals at The Full Monty being staged this summer at the Mayflower THeatre in Southampton are likely to retain a sliver of modesty during their strip, director of Who Goes Bare?, Phil Smith, says his cast will be baring all in the church hall.

"There are two of us, myself and Alice Smith - no relation - who have to completely disrobe. People will get to see my backside," he warned.

"It's quite disconcerting to have to do this. There are a couple of others who appear in towels, semi-naked. Everyone is very nervous but it's not that explicit. It's very Carry On in style."

He added that a slow striptease over the rehearsal months would help quash first-night nerves.

"It was very scary in rehearsals. We went through gradually taking off more and more clothes until we grew in confidence, and eventually the novelty disappears.

"Backstage it's a little more risque than it is during the actual performance, but if you strip off early on in rehearsals you grow accustomed to it."

There are ten people in the cast, all from around Shirley - and they include teachers, a solicitor, and Phil, a company manager.

It's the first time they've branched out from the traditional annual pantomime, appreciated every February by a capacity audience.

Treasure Island, which was on for a week earlier this year, sold out every night.

This summer's choice, to be performed on a two-storey set at the Freemantle United Reformed Church Hall in Shirley Road, is at the other end of the scale.

"It was a challenge for all of us and we hope the audience won't be too shocked," added Phil, who lives in Titchfield.

Church leader Rev Edward Symmons was unavailable for comment.

The play, written by Richard Harris and Leslie Darbon, runs from tonight to Saturday at the church hall, 257 Shirley Road.

Tickets cost £5, or £3.50 for concessions, and are available by calling 023 8022 6353.

The Full Monty opens at The Mayflower on Tuesday.