As Magic Mike XXL hits UK cinemas, real-life strippers from the Dreamboys troupe have given the film a critical review, claiming its raunchy routines would never pass British licensing laws. Luke and Rowan, along with their manager David, attended a screening and found the film entertaining but unrealistic.
David, the manager, said the film’s portrayal of audience touching is too aggressive for UK standards. “There’s touching in our show, but it is done very tastefully. In the film, the touching of the girls – their breasts, their middle parts – is borderline. It’s quite full-on, the grabbing,” he said. He added that such behaviour could be considered sexual harassment and would generate complaints in Britain.
The film also features acrobatic lifts, which David described as a liability risk. “That’s a public liability claim waiting to happen. Somebody’s going to get injured,” he said, recalling an incident where a dancer dropped a woman, knocking out her front teeth. He noted that the film likely uses crash mats not visible to the audience.
Despite the film’s lack of full-frontal nudity due to its 15 rating, the Dreamboys have incorporated brief nudity into their own show based on customer demand. “In a two-hour production, there’s probably about 20 seconds. They expect it now. And they get annoyed if they don’t see it,” David said.
The dancers also criticised the film for excluding gay men from the audience, calling it outdated. Luke, one of the dancers, noted that women often become rowdy at shows, shouting demands. “The boys are trying to do dance routines and you’re hearing: ‘Get your so-and-so out.’ You’re like: ‘Wow, that’s somebody’s daughter,’” he said.
Despite the criticism, the Dreamboys acknowledged some accurate details, such as the dancers’ preening habits and varied interests. Luke, a trained chef, said he prefers older women, aged 35 to 44, for their maturity. “If she’s a cougar, I’m gonna go there,” he said.
