THE boys who are set to cause a stage sensation when The Full Monty comes to Southampton were in the city to launch the show yesterday - but their kit stayed firmly ON.

Unlike the famous film, which saw Robert Carlyle and his fellow steelworkers turned striptease stars disrobe completely (but keeping their backs to the camera), the six actors currently touring in an acclaimed stage version preferred to keep their modesty under wraps.

Giving the press and regular Mayflower customers a sneak preview of a couple of musical numbers from the show at Jumpin' Jaks nightclub in LeisureWorld, Southampton, yesterday, the lads refused to say whether they would be baring all in the show.

"The question we are asked most often is 'Do you get your kit off?' The answer is 'You'll have to come along to the show to find out,'" teased actor Tim Rogers, who plays Jerry Lukowski - the Robert Carlyle character - in the award-winning production.

Currently two months into its UK tour, the show runs at The Mayflower from Tuesday, July 6 to Saturday, July 17.

Premiered on Broadway, the musical has been given an American setting, but otherwise remains faithful to the original story.

For tickets and information call The Mayflower box office on 023 8071 1811.