Since forming in 2017, Choir of Man has become a global smash which has made its return to the West End at the Arts Theatre. I saw a preview of the show during this year’s West End Live, and I was immediately won over by the fun vibe and folk covers of some of my favourite songs. But what did I think of the show? Did I have helluva fun time or did West End Live just show off the best bits?
Choir of Man
Cast
- The Poet: Denis Grindel (emergency cover)
- The Maestro: Michael Baxter
- The Barman: Mark Irwin (swing)
- The Pub Bore: Lucas Koch (swing)
- The Joker: Matt Thorpe
- The Hard Man: Levi Tyrell Johnson
- The Handyman: Jordan Oliver
- The Beast: Owen Bolton
- The Romantic: Matt Beveridge
Rating: ★★★★
What is Choir of Man About?
To quote Jerry Seinfeld, “It’s a show about nothing!” That’s exaggeration. Jukebox musical between monologues about friendship, the community pubs create and what home means to them.
What did I think of Choir of Man?
Choir of Man is 90 minutes of pure unadulterated fun, a show that’s not your typical “musical”, but an immersive experience. As you entered The Arts Theatre, you’re welcomed to their world with photos of the cast in the locations they’ve toured, memorabilia dedicated to the show’s history and some pride flags to show that pub culture is for all instead of a traditionally masculine pastime. While I sat in the dress circle and missed out on getting a pint onstage (which I’ll do next time even though I don’t drink beer), the cast still made sure everyone was included before and during the performance, including:
- Coming to the dress circle and chatting to us
- Bringing people onstage for comedic skits
- Flinging packets of crisps and handing people free beer across the auditorium
- Getting both sides of the audience to join in a singalong.
What sold me on Choir of Man’s joyous fun was how personal the show felt. Ben Norris’ monologues about community and home were the true heart that felt especially poignant after everything we’ve been through these past few years. The fact that he created summaries for each performer including the swings (more on that in a moment) sold me on the cast’s friendship. Even when returning cast member Denis Grindel accidentally misnamed one of the performers that left us in stitches, that they rolled with it with perfect comedic timing showcased the chemistry they all had.
What were the songs like?
One of my favourite musical theatre genres is folk, so seeing and hearing Choir Of Man remix songs with a highland edge got me excited. With standouts that made the crowd go wild including The Beast serenading an audience member to Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream, a raunchy version of Escape (Pina Colada), Queen’s Somebody To Love, Fun’s Some Nights, there was something every audience member could get out of their seat for. That doesn’t mean there weren’t more emotional songs added to the setlist, with some poignant examples including Dance With My Father, Adele’s Hello and Sia’s Chandelier that showed off the cast’s powerful harmonies.
What was the cast like?
The nine Choir of Men were all wonderful and you could feel the chemistry that made me believe you’d see them in a real pub as friends. At first playing into boy band style personalities including The Romantic, The Beast, The Handyman and The Joker, the performer’s true stories emerge throughout the show and reveal what makes home for them. They all brought such charm along with some glorious singing, dancing and music skills that I can’t say there was one standout. Whether it was Lucas’ Koch’s booming theatrical voice during The Impossible Dream, Jordan Oliver’s insane tap dancing during 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover or Michael Baxter tinkling the ivories, they made sure you’d remember all of them.
What are my overall thoughts?
Choir of Man is a life-affirming celebration of male friendship, pub culture and community that we need today. Filled with humour, heart and incredible covers of songs, I think it’s one of those shows anybody can enjoy whether or not they like musicals. The Arts Theatre was the perfect venue to host it in because its small indie charm adds to the show’s intimacy.
Have you seen Choir of Man? Be sure to comment below!
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