Choir of Man of Man was conceived by Andrew Kay and Nick Doodson in 2016, and it has been achieving glowing reviews around the world ever since. Set in The Jungle, an old-fashioned traditional pub in South London it centres around the characters you would recognise in any establishment of this ilk, the hardman, the joker, the hopeless romantic, and the pub bore. It explores the camaraderie that exists in a loose knit friendship group, supporting each other when life deals a blow or a love affair disintegrates.
The set is constructed to look like a public bar with functional beer pumps and upright piano. Four musicians are seated at an elevated position behind the bar, and are an important part of the show, appearing downstage to join in the music or provide an excuse for some banter. Some pubs have football or darts teams this one has a choir.
Before the show begins the audience is encouraged to get up on stage and have a pint and chat with the cast. Even during the show, the audience is an integral part, being invited onto the stage and serenaded, whilst free beer and crisps being passed around.
Choir of Man doesn’t fit neatly into any genre, it’s a musical but not as you know it, and feels more like a live concert. Lasting 90 mins without an interval ensures that the show is fast paced and doesn’t lose momentum. The Poet (Paul McArthur) leads the narrative to join the songs (and dances) together introducing the cast both by both their characterisations and their backgrounds with some touching details. This cast is amazing (David Booth, Jason Brock, Tom Carter-Miles, Rob Godfrey, Ifan Gwilym-Jones, Oliver Jacobson, George Knapper, Benji Lord, Paul McArther and Bradley Walwyn), not only with nine-part harmony but dancing and playing one or more musical instruments. The live band, (Jacob Evans, Jack Hartigan, Darius Luke Thompson and Sam Tookey) is faultless and show an exceptional level of coordination given the amount of activity on stage.
What comes across is that this group are genuinely fond of each other and enjoy each other’s company. Expect laddish humour, tap dancing, thumping music, poetry, a Capella singing but most of all, supremely gifted musicians.
Uplifting! Absolutely Brilliant!
5 stars
Review by Nina Gardner
Photo Credit Mark Douet.
Choir of Man has extended its London showing until January 4th 2026.
Tickets and further details available at the link below
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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