THE CHOIR OF MAN

Arts Theatre

★★★★★

“this an ensemble piece at its finest, with a real sense of brotherhood amongst the whole cast”

The great British pub, previously everywhere, is now endangered – a ‘third space’ that’s slipping away. Enter ‘The Choir of Man’, a heartfelt, feel-good show where pints pour, voices soar, and everyone belongs – a new kind of safe space for theatre lovers and pub goers alike.

Walking through the doors of the Arts Theatre, we’re transported to ‘The Jungle’ – at first glance a typical local with typical personalities including a Barman, Hard Man and Handyman. But scratch the surface and it’s anything but, with a Poet, Romantic, Maestro and others turning beer-soaked bravado into a brotherhood of connection and creative outlet. There’s no narrative, with rhyming monologues linked by song, dance and live instrumentals exploring themes such as friendship and home. It’s rich in feeling, each man finding their voice before ending with a gut punch reveal and a raw folk farewell.

As a woman and a feminist, I was sceptical of seeing a show about men in a pub – I couldn’t have been more wrong. Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay with monologues by Ben Norris, ‘The Choir of Man’ is full of tenderness and truth, reclaiming a traditionally hyper-masculine space as somewhere men can express themselves. It’s romanticised, the poetic monologues and feel-good vibes giving it a dreamlike glow; but my soul feels lighter for witnessing a bunch of blokes holding space for each other. It’s carefully constructed to add depth, such as the Romantic pouring his heart out to Adele’s ‘Hello’ while the lads slow-mo through some football highs and lows. A deeper thread is also woven in, ending with a poignant reminder of the importance of looking out for each other.

Nic Doodson’s direction blurs drama and daily life. The stage becomes a pub for audience and cast alike. The cast roams about, checking in and making you feel at home. Multiple numbers involve audience participation, including inviting people on stage and even offering extra drinks and crisps to keep us going. It’s exactly the kind of warm camaraderie one craves from a third space, and a complete breath of fresh air from a West End show.

‘The Choir of Man’ is a folk-pop-rock jukebox musical offering something for everyone, from ‘Chandelier’, to ‘Under the Bridge’ and even a cheeky rendition of ‘Escape (The Pina Colada Song)’. Though the real strength is Jack Blume’s marvellous orchestrations and arrangements, with interesting interpretations, complex harmonies, and modern mashups to surprise and satisfy the musically inclined.

Oli Townsend’s set design doesn’t just suggest a pub – it is one, complete with bar taps and beer mats. Verity Sadler’s costume design balances cohesion and character. Freddie Huddleston’s choreography beautifully contrasts moments of unity and disconnection. Richard Dinnen’s lighting design is joyful, full of vibrant colour and synced perfectly to the music. Sten Severson’s sound design brings out the multiple part harmonies, though the voices get a little lost during the tap dancing and pint glass clashing.

The newly assembled cast is electric, closing out the West End run before embarking on a UK tour. Paul McArthur’s Poet breathes life and love into each monologue, each song aching with feeling. Jason Brock is a passionate Romantic, with beautiful tenor and falsetto ranges that soar skyward. Ben Goffe’s Handyman proves a master of all trades, with expert singing, trumpet playing and fantastically fast, crisp tap footwork that’s rare outside a dance show. Though this an ensemble piece at its finest, with a real sense of brotherhood amongst the whole cast – if your gaze drifts, it’s always greeted with exchanges that radiate trust. The onstage band also deserves a mention for their firepower and finesse.

‘The Choir of Man’ is harmonious in every sense, creating a place of trust and love that everyone should experience. Catch it on the West End and then again on tour – you’ll come away feeling refreshed and hopeful.

THE CHOIR OF MAN

Arts Theatre

Reviewed on 7th October 2025

by Hannah Bothelton

Photography by Mark Douet

THE CHOIR OF MAN

Millennials

The Other Palace

Reviewed – 15th July 2022

★★★

“Hannah Benson’s immersive staging bubbles with an energy”

There is, and always has been, debate about the purpose or usefulness of demographic tags. But whether we like them or not, or whether they influence an individual or a group of personalities, the labels are here to stay.

If you are a ‘Millennial’ you witnessed the 9/11 terrorist attacks that shook the world, and were likely to be old enough to comprehend its historical significance. You grew up in the shadow of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; you will have watched the erosion of the global political climate. Reaching adulthood, you would have walked headlong into the height of an economic recession. And the internet has pretty much always been there for you.

Is this significant?

If you are a ‘Millennial’ (according to psychologists) you are likely to be confident, but also confused. You are tolerant, but have an overblown sense of entitlement. You are generous, but at the same time narcissistic. In other words, you merely possess the contradictions that make us human.

Elliot Clay has written a song cycle that tells these Millennials’ stories. But he runs up against the same problems. For the most part they come across as merely human stories; under the Millennial banner. And it is a banner that is waved flamboyantly. Colourful yet superficial. There is little that earmarks a Millennial’s ownership of the subject matter. So we are left with a song cycle. And there is nothing wrong with that. Clay has composed some very fine numbers here. But a trick has been missed, and what is slightly frustrating about the show is the awareness that some sort of thread could have been weaved into the overall concept; or something to bind the characters into some sort of collective. To give them a real, solid context or journey.

Fortunately, that reservation in no way extends to the presentation. Hannah Benson’s immersive staging bubbles with an energy that sweeps aside the misgivings and allows us just to have fun. Andrew Exeter’s design matches, and supersedes, the sheer pizzazz. The Other Palace is transformed into a candied, Wonka-like, emporium. Part disco, part adventure playground; shimmering with colours that overflow with e-numbers. You can taste the sweetness of the set.

The performances are the main attraction. Despite most of their energy being channelled into Tinovimbanashe Sibanda’s slick choreography, the cast of six unleash their glorious voices to the crowd with the dynamism and craftmanship befitting the cream of Musical Theatre. Clay’s songs and lyrics are given the starry treatment and they have the appeal to stand their ground, but “Millennials”, as a show, lacks the cohesive ingredients to ensure a similar longevity. But as a gig, it’s a pretty good night out.

Tag Archives: Ehsaan Shivarani

THE CHOIR OF MAN

★★★★★

Arts Theatre

THE CHOIR OF MAN

Arts Theatre

★★★★★

“this an ensemble piece at its finest, with a real sense of brotherhood amongst the whole cast”