Review: THE CHOIR OF MAN, Arts Theatre
Photo credit: Helen Maybanks
"Do you wanna pop down the pub for a pint mate?"
Let's face it, we've all missed either saying or hearing those words. From friends, family, colleagues, we've missed the social space to unwind; "The people's front room" as it's called in Choir Of Man, the West End's answer to the Public House Experience. A group of guys from different backgrounds coming together on stage to sing, dance, laugh and just have a great time together...
As soon as you enter the intimate Arts Theatre, the atmosphere is there, you know you're going to be in for a good time. And not only is the bar open upstairs, it's open downstairs too! For 15 minutes before the show, the stage is open and the cast are there to welcome you with free beers all round! This kind of warm, open feeling never leaves you for the whole performance. The cast ooze charisma as they approach you like they've known you their whole lives. The set design (Oli Townsend) has also been extended into the auditorium to allow everyone to be immersed and welcomed into the Jungle Pub. And then the real performance starts.
It's a concert, a cabaret, the working man's Magic Mike, as every guy on stage gets their moment in the spotlight. Everyone has an incredible voice, an instrument they know like the back of their hand. It's joyous to watch - and even be a part of! Besties, we know how much we say the phrase "it's what we need right now" but it truly does apply here. And while it may be a concert, it's also more than that. Moving poetic monologues, written and performed by Ben Norris, provide a deeper emotional context to the evening...
This becomes a celebration of male vulnerability, a brilliant example of how men can process their emotions. How we can be there for a friend - really be there, not just for a pint, but for two cups of tea and a chat. There are some truly moving moments that come following these, such as an incredible accoustic rearrangement of Sia's ‘Chandelier’, and a brilliantly moving performance of ‘Dance With My Father’. But these are swiftly followed by numbers containing such high, infectious energy. ‘500 Miles’ and ‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song)’ to name a couple.
As we said earlier, every member of the cast gets a moment to shine and although they may have been given given characters such as '“The Handyman" and "The Barman", at no point does anything feel like a performance or an act. The group genuinely appear to be a bunch of lads, having fun and doing what they do best, which happens to be singing songs and entertaining the audience within the Arts Theatre.
West End Best Friend thoroughly recommends this production. It's perfect for those that you're trying to get into theatre but need to dip their toe in first. And if you want a good entertaining night out, there's so much fun to be had with The Choir of Man.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by: Callum Wallace
The Choir of Man is currently booking until 13 February 2022, with tickets available here.
