Review: Choir of Man - How The Choir of Man Turns a Theatre into a Community
Star rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
After a successful run of four years in London, the famous group of friends from Choir of Man have set sail to let you experience the chemistry of the show in your local theatre. Whether you are a die-hard musical fan or just someone who loves a good night out, this show offers a theatre experience unlike any other.
Welcome to ‘The Jungle’
The show's set in a pub called ‘The Jungle’. You meet a group of friends, and each one has their own story. What really surprised me was the mix between the music and the storytelling. The music was a mix of hits from artists like Adele, Sia, and Queen. It feels fresh, high energy, and it just works.
Get on stage
The thing that makes the show special and stands out is the interaction between the cast and the audience. Before the show even starts, you can actually hop on stage, grab a beer, and chat with the cast. It breaks that "wall" between the cast and the audience. You don't feel like you're sitting in a theatre; you feel like you’re hanging out at your local. Think beer mats flying, crisps being shared, and a lot of genuine laughs.
Meet the cast
The powerhouse cast of this tour features a mix of new and familiar faces from the London production: Alistair So (The Poet), Adam J. Bernard (The Hard Man), Ben Mabberley (The Joker), Joshua Lloyd (The Barman), Rob Godfrey (The Beast), Luke Apps (The Romantic), Mark Loveday (The Maestro), Daniel Harnett (The Handyman), and Brummie (The Bore). Supporting the company as versatile swings are George Saddington and Niall Woodson.
A quick side note
I’ll be real: you do need to appreciate pub culture to get the vibe fully. Personally, some of the humour felt a bit gender-specific. While that is exactly what pub culture can be like, it’s worth keeping in mind if that’s not really your scene. So, yes, it is a show where you have to have a specific interest in that culture. But then again, no, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy it, I think when you're going with the right company and really getting into the vibe, it still makes for a really nice experience.
The Verdict
Even though this isn’t my "typical" kind of show, I’d still recommend it in a heartbeat. The raw joy the cast brings to the stage is what stays with you. It’s interactive, heartwarming, and just a really refreshing way to experience theatre.
More information about the tour can be found here
