The Choir of Man at Arts Theatre

The Choir of Man presents an intriguing concept: a jukebox musical set in a pub, filled to the brim with well-known sing-along (literally) hits. The show, which features a nine-piece, all-male vocal group and a band, first originated at the Edinburgh Fringe, and while it’s set in the fictional “The Jungle” pub, it aims to evoke real memories of an evening down at the local. Having enjoyed success around the world, it now returns closer to home, serving up performances at the West End’s Arts Theatre. 

The Fringe’s influence is apparent in the way creators Andrew Kay and Nic Doodson have produced a piece that isn’t overly flashy and focuses on a close-knit ensemble. It’s held together by Ben Norris narrating as “The Poet” in-between folky renditions such as Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream and Some Nights by Fun. The stage is bursting with testosterone, but the production tries to show a different side to the stereotypical “lad” culture frequently associated with pubs, whether through sensitive songs about loss or simply straight-up telling the audience. It’s a shame, however, that the characters, who are given titles like “The Romantic” or “The Handyman”, aren’t given more development. 

Despite this, the performers’ bonds feel genuine, as does the authenticity of the tenth character – the pub. The set-up is simple but exciting, with the audience actually invited to mingle on-stage beforehand and even during the performance if booked in an aisle seat, and that’s not to mention the offering of free pints. It’s quite possibly the most interactive show on in the West End right now. 

The most prominent missing link is between songs, themes and styles. The production is driven by a general lack of plot and instead feels like a jukebox on a random setting where anything could play next. Perhaps the best thing as a viewer is to suspend a deeper logic and, as on a night out at the pub, just roll with it. Even though the 80-minute show runs nonstop, the song choices are stronger in the second half, for example, the exuberant crowd-pleaser I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), or the chilling a cappella number Chandelier that lights up the bar with a spectacular showcase of nine precise and powerful harmonies. This is the main draw; as a musical, the plot is too unclear, but as a choir performance, it’s difficult to fault. There are some great instrumental demonstrations and tap dance surprises thrown in for good measure, too.

Ultimately, nobody can deny that The Choir of Man is thoroughly entertaining and it would be difficult to leave post-last orders without feeling uplifted. The show’s monologues aren’t particularly subtle, but they carry poignant reminders about the power of community and a sense of belonging. In this spirit, if theatregoers leave all their worries at the pub door, they’ll surely leave singing and clapping away at the end of the night.

Bev Lung
Photo: Helen Maybanks

The Choir of Man is at Arts Theatre until 13^th February 2022. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Read our interview with Tyler Orphé-Baker (the Pub Bore) here.