Review: THE CHOIR OF MAN, Arts Theatre (Oct 2022)
Photo credit: The Other Richard
The Choir of Man bursts onto the stage with unmatchable energy. Given that the theatre’s stage has been transformed into a pub (that patrons can actually buy drinks from!), the energy is high and palpable from the moment you enter the auditorium. This continues throughout the ninety-minute showcase of extraordinary musical and vocal talent. The nine strong cast and four-piece band are masterful musicians and technically stunning.
The Choir of Man, like the West End and Broadway’s Six, hailed from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, with The Choir of Man arriving in Edinburgh the year before Six. Described by the show’s creators as “a group of ordinary blokes who meet up to sing a few songs over a drink or two”, the show is relatable to the core. Early on, we are all asked to reminisce about our own local ‘boozers’ and the conversations we have there. It is on this premise of togetherness that the show is built, and thrives. The nine ‘blokes’ are introduced to us through epithets, descriptions of who they are and what they bring to the group, and throughout the performance, we learn a little more about them.
Stealing the show for us is Jordan Oliver playing The Handyman, whose tap-dancing solo is truly something to behold. On the bar, on the tables, and a masterclass in acting through song (through tap), Oliver’s exuberance commands the stage. Not to mention that playing the trumpet is another string to his bow! In fact, the entire cast are talented musicians, surprising us with ukuleles, accordions, cajons, you name it.
The show is a breathtaking example of brilliant ensemble performance, and we have never seen a more genuine and heart-warming camaraderie onstage as we saw at this performance. Not afraid of deviating from scripts or blocking, the actors are truly in the moment. When The Poet (Ben Norris) reminded us that there will never be another performance like this, with these people as they are, and this audience as they are, it holds immense gravitas. At the core of the show is the idea of home, in all its forms. Each performer brings an admirable level of relatability, emotion, and truth to the stage, particularly The Romantic (Matt Beveridge). This requires bravery and is a real element of the show’s impressiveness.
It goes without saying that the vocals are supreme. Classic hits are mashed up, changed up, and sung with incredible musical dexterity. If you know any music-lovers, then buy them a ticket. Their jaw will drop in awe from the beginning and pretty much stay there for ninety minutes! The four-piece band (Emmanuel Nana Kwasi Bonsu, Jack Hartigan, Caleb Wilson, and Darius Luke Thompson) are flawless and provide a musical omnipresence on a platform above the stage. Jack Blume’s orchestrations, musical arrangements and mashups are crowd-pleasers and just downright impressive!
A series of impressive musical numbers and poignant monologues, the show could benefit from more of a through line. It need not be a plot, per se, but if the events and individual emotional journeys could be bound together in some way, this would really bring the show together.
You would be hard pressed to find a more entertaining night out in the West End. We have never been party to more rousing or unanimous standing ovations (yes there was more than one!) and the production thoroughly deserves it. For relatability and musical genius, hurry down to the Arts Theatre and don’t miss this lovable hit!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Eliza Harris
The Choir of Man is currently booking at the Arts Theatre until 5 February 2023, with tickets available here.
