Review: The Choir of Man at the Arts Theatre, London
At this point, I have a fairly good idea of my theatrical tastes. However, I also quite like being surprised, so once in a while I’ll ask for recommendations and go for a wildcard choice! That’s how a combination of recommendations from the Musical Theatre Appreciation Society group and the TodayTix winter sale led me to The Choir of Man at the Arts Theatre.
The Choir of Man originated at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017, opened on the West End in October 2021, and was nominated for the 2022 Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play. It features popular songs arranged and orchestrated by Jack Blume and monologues written by Ben Norris.
What’s it about?
Most pubs have a football team or a darts league. The Jungle, though, has a choir. The Choir of Man freely admits that it is thin on plot and less a cohesive story than a series of vignettes set to music. Songs are interprersed with monologues as we get to know the men who frequent The Jungle.
Any content notes?
The Choir of Man is fairly family-friendly and recommended for ages 6+. There’s little in the way of bad language and sexual references, and the messaging of the show is overwhelmingly positive. One thing to be aware of is that a LOT of alcohol is consumed during the show, both by the characters and often by the audience too.
The Choir of Man: My Review
As soon as I stepped into the Arts Theatre for The Choir of Man on Sunday afternoon, I knew I wasn’t in for a typical theatrical experience. Why? Well to begin with, there were audience members up on the stage, mingling with cast members and enjoying free pints poured for them from the working bar on stage. I didn’t partake of the (copious) free booze as I had to drive home after the show, but it was fun to watch and brought a jovial and sociable community feel into the room.
This irreverent, fourth-wall-smashing tone continued throughout the show as audience members were pulled up on stage, serenaded, and plied with yet more alcohol. Joining in is encouraged in many of the songs, with the audience enthusiastically clapping and singing along.
The cast of The Choir of Man London. Photo: The Other Richard
The Choir of Man isn’t exactly a musical in the true sense, in that there’s very little story and the line between characters and performers is fuzzy at best. Each “character” is represented by an archetype rather than a name. Our narrator is The Poet, and The Barman pours the drinks. Then we have The Maestro, The Romantic, The Beast, The Hardman, The Handyman, The Joker, and The Bore. When names are used, it’s the real first names of the actors.
Jordan Oliver (centre) with other members of the cast. Photo: The Other Richard
The mix of music is eclectic, to say the least. Hilarious renditions of “Escape (The Pina Colada Song)” and “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” appear alongside a tear-jerking cover of Luther Vandross’s “Dance With My Father” and an energetic tap routine performed by Jordan Oliver as The Handyman to Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover.” There’s even, improbably, a nod to traditional musical theatre with “The Impossible Dream” from Man of La Mancha sung by Matt Nalton as The Bore. (Can someone revive Man of La Mancha and cast this man immediately, please? Because it was vocally spectacular.)
Levi Tyrell Johnson (left) as The Hardman and Owen Bolton as The Beast. Photo: The Other Richard
In general, the numbers I enjoyed the most were those where all the men were singing together in rich and rousing harmony. Closing number “The Parting Glass,” sung acapella and unmic’ed, was beautiful.
The monologues are perhaps a shade too long-winded and syrupy sweet occasionally, but they’re also often heartfelt and touching. A real highlight was the series of “home” monologues, sharing where each performer comes from and what home means to them.
What The Choir of Man lacks in plot, it makes up for in energy and heart. It’s a celebration of friendship, of music, and of that great British institution: the pub. It’s not perfect - the urinal joke was unfunny and about four minutes too long - but it also has some important things to say about positive masculinity, male friendship, and men’s mental health.
Coming in at a concise 95 minutes (no interval), the show is just the right length. And while I wouldn’t say it changed my life, I definitely left the theatre with a spring in my step and some catchy tunes in my head. The Choir of Man is not exactly a musical and not exactly a concert. What it is, though, is riotously entertaining and surprisingly emotionally satisfying.
Where to get tickets
The Choir of Man is currently booking up to May 2023. Tickets are available from the official website and reputable London theatre vendors.