Choir of Man - Gala - Greasepaint and stage Lights

Choir of Man - Gala - Greasepaint and stage Lights - Musicals

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Choir of Man (Gala Performance 2023)

Arts Theatre - West End

(Review Complete)

Review of Gala Night (October 2023)

"The Choir of Man" is not a musical in the conventional sense. At 90 minutes and performed in one act, it feels more like a musical gig, akin to "Six", yet it's distinct in its own right.

This performance is a tribute to pubs, camaraderie, and life's highs and lows. The commitment to the theme is palpable: the stage is literally transformed into a pub. Named the "Jungle", audience members can step up before the show to order a pint, even choosing to sit on the stage if they please before the show starts.

One of the standout moments for me was when the cast entered through the pub doors, mingling seamlessly with the crowd. There was no grand entrance; just a group of friends sauntering into their local pub for an evening of fun.

The immersive experience doesn’t end there. Throughout the performance, the actors often venture into the audience. Sometimes they offer pints, and at other times, they invite eager participants onto the stage, offering them a true front-row experience. These moments create some of the show's most comedic scenes, echoing vibes of immersive theatre.

Musically, the show offers a timeless mix. Audiences will easily recognise hits ranging from "I Would Walk 500 Miles" to "Escape (The Piña Colada Song)." A standout moment is a creative rendition of "The Impossible Dream," where the metaphor shifts from tilting at windmills to constructing a house using beer mats.

Interspersed with these songs are poignant spoken monologues, taking the form of poems penned by the talented Ben Norris. Although not following a traditional narrative, these verses transport the audience on a journey, delving into the personalities and motivations of each character.

The choreography is outstanding, with Ben Gofee tap dancing skills deserving particular commendation.

By the curtain call, there's a sense of familiarity with the cast, as if one has truly spent an evening out with friends at a local pub. And often, that's the simple pleasure we seek.

Having recently marked its first anniversary in the West End, "The Choir of Man" is currently gracing the stage of the Arts Theatre until February.

4 Stars out of 5

Reviewer Tom Byrne