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
Previously reviewed at this venue:
PORNO | ★★★ | November 2023
THE CHOIR OF MAN | ★★★★ | October 2022
THE CHOIR OF MAN | ★★★★★ | November 2021
