REVIEW | The Choir of Man, Arts Theatre London

★★★★★

If you're looking for 90minutes of pure escapism, pull up a stall in The Jungle. The Choir of Man is now an Olivier-nominated, worldwide smash hit and it has returned to the West End. During these tough times, I don't know a better show that brings everyone together under one roof to celebrate community and friendship. This production is truly like nothing else on the West End circuit right now and you'd be a fool to miss out. 

As soon as you enter Art Theatre's intimate space, you are thrown into a good old-fashioned public house. Head to the stage for a pint of the good stuff and soak in the realistic atmosphere before being joined by the community that resides in The Jungle. 

The nine-strong cast is utterly brilliant and each has established figures within their choir. Some of these include the hardman, the joker, a hopeless romantic and the pub bore. Their differences gravitated together by this sense of friendship that is a main thread throughout the show. They weave their way through the jam-packed show, filled with hits from Queen, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele and Katy Perry. Experience 90 minutes of unforgettable and well formulated by musical supervisor Jack Blume. 

The Choir of Man is simply joyous. It has little narrative fleshed out by the music that helps them navigate the storytelling element. This production unearths deeper messages about mental health in men and establishes what home is for us all. Most of the audience is here for the unforgettable musical score. Poignant moments from the musical include a spinetingling cover of Adele's hit song Hello. 

The audience plays an integral part in this show. From joining them for a pint at the beginning, it is a continuation of their style. There are even occasions when a handful of audience members are treated to onstage serenades from the men themselves. 

They invite you to sing along and be part of the experience - although on a Saturday night this can be quite overpowering and make your viewing uncomfortable. However, it is no doubt that this company absorb the energy that is given by its audience. There was no doubt that this audience raised the roof at the end of that show!  

Our cast for this show was unforgettable. Even seeing this for the third time this cast delivers a unique style and energy to a show that is becoming more established as a staple name now. We were thrilled to have all 4 covers on for this production of The Choir Of Man. Gavin Ryan, Sam Ebenezer, Mark Irwin and Lucas Koch excelled alongside Matt Beveridge, Levi Tyrell Johnson, Lemuel Knights, Matt Nalton and Jordan Oliver to put on a roof-raising performance. 

The Choir of Man on the surface may look like just about having a good time with great music but it is so much more than that. 

It plays an ebullient tribute to our inclusive British communities, being together and everything we have lost or will lose. It's a show that would fit perfectly on a UK Tour after its time on the West End, reaching more and more communities who need an uplifting, assuring production like this one. There is a real buzz as you leave the theatre from this show and I guarantee you'll be telling all of your friends about it, and booking more tickets!

The Choir of Man is currently booking until 05 Feb 2023 from as little as £22.50. Book your ticket now!

Photo Credit: The Other Richard