Step Behind The Stage
The Choir Of Man
Arts Theatre, London - 07/10/25
Review by Alex King
Photo Credit: Mark Douet
In case you are somehow still unaware of The Choir of Man, Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay’s creation invites audiences into a local pub for ninety minutes of music, comedy and genuine heart. First debuting at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017 and a mainstay of the West End since 2021, the show has grown into a global success, both critically and commercially.
The Jungle is the name of the pub that houses this phenomenally talented group of nine men, who gather to sing, to chat and to share. From the moment they walk through the door they welcome you as though you are a regular, and that sense of familiarity only deepens as the evening unfolds. While each performer adopts a character name reflective of their role within the choir, they remain rooted in their own identities, generously offering pieces of themselves to the audience. We hear snippets of their lives and begin to understand the community they have built not only with each other, but with everyone in the room, from audience members to theatre staff.
At its core, this show is about the music. Opening with a Guns N’ Roses classic, the setlist journeys through an eclectic mix of genres, from musical theatre favourites to modern ballads and everything in between. The harmonies, arranged by Jack Blume, fill the theatre with a richness that repeatedly draws thunderous applause. It is impossible not to be swept up in both the vocal prowess of the choir and the sheer magnetism they radiate on stage.
Beyond their singing, each cast member has the opportunity to showcase their instrumental talents, performing alongside the four piece band who form the other half of the evening’s musical backbone. Stationed in their perch above the pub, aside from the occasional trip to the bar, the band are a triumph in their own right. They breathe fresh life into instantly recognisable tracks, adding their own flair and personality, and even earning their own moments of attention, particularly during the famously infectious pina colada number. Together, cast and band create an atmosphere that feels warm, celebratory and utterly infectious.
Photo Credit: Mark Douet
Threaded between the songs are a series of monologues written by poet Ben Norris. Delivered primarily by Paul McArthur’s Poet, these spoken word interludes explore the history and social importance of pubs, alongside more tender themes of loss, isolation, family and friendship. The generosity mentioned earlier finds its fullest expression here. The cast’s willingness to share parts of their own stories, translated beautifully through Norris’s writing, gives the production an emotional depth that elevates it beyond a jukebox celebration. The monologues feel sincere and moving, never intrusive, always earned.
The show also shines a light on vital issues. As charity partners with CALM, The Choir of Man addresses the ongoing crisis surrounding male suicide with sensitivity and care. The statistics shared during the performance are sobering, and the commitment the company shows both on and off stage is deeply commendable.
Among friends and family who have attended, including those who would never usually consider themselves fans of theatre, the response has always been overwhelmingly positive. Calling a show one for everyone can often sound like exaggeration, but here it genuinely feels true. The Choir of Man offers laughter, reflection, outstanding music and a reminder of the power of community, all within the welcoming walls of a pub you will wish you could visit again.
Cast on the Night:
Levi Tyrell Johnson – Hardman
Jason Brock – Romantic
Ben Goffe – Handyman
Oliver Jacobson – Barman
Cal T King – Beast
Benji Lord – Joker
Paul McArthur – Poet
Aled Pennock – Bore
Alex Mallalieu – Maestro
Jacob Evans – Drums
Jack Hartigan – Guitar
Sam Tookey – Bass
Tom Newell – Fiddle