The Choir of Man
The party started before the curtain even rose. Or rather, before the pint was poured. In true Choir of Man style, the audience were invited to grab a beer from the onstage pub, affectionately called The Jungle—a name that perfectly suits the wild mix of camaraderie, chaos, and charm that followed.
Dressed like your favourite regulars down at the local—jeans, T-shirts, and a splash of swagger—the talented cast set the tone from the off. They brought the groove from the opening bar (pun absolutely intended), spilling both harmonies and pub gossip with equal enthusiasm—and the occasional slosh of beer for authenticity’s sake.
Directed by Nic Doodson, choreographed by Freddie Huddleston, monologues by Ben Norris, featuring arrangements by Jack Blume and the creative team of Andrew Kay and Doodson, the show’s concept remains a clever mix of pub night and concert. The result? A heartfelt reminder of why these spaces matter—how they hold communities together, pint by pint and song by song.
Making up the new cast were; Aled Pennock (Bore), Jason Brock (Romantic), Cal T King (Beast), Oliver Jacobson (Barman), Benji Lord (Joker), Paul McArthur (Poet), with Ben Goffe (Handyman), Levi Tyrell Johnson (Hardman) and Alex Mallalieu (Maestro).
Vocally, this cast absolutely delivered. The harmonies were tight, the solos rocked, and the arrangements of pop anthems and singalong pub classics had everyone tapping their feet (and maybe raising a glass). From choral a cappella moments to cleverly mashed-up crowd-pleasers, the musical score felt both familiar and fresh.
And let’s not forget the choreography—smooth, inventive, and perfectly timed to guide the audience’s eye through the bustling energy of nine performers. Even a surprise tap number made its way into The Jungle, because who doesn’t love a bit of rhythm with their rum?
The humour struck the right balance between silly and sentimental, though some moments of comic timing could have been tightened for sharper impact. A little more narrative thread wouldn’t go amiss either—but the heartfelt storytelling through music and shared memories makes up for it. The show’s final moments, where favourite childhood memories were recalled for each cast member, was a particularly lovely touch—personal, nostalgic, and deeply human.
The band, lovingly introduced as the folk who “sing with their hands,” deserve a cheer too. Their energy matched the cast pint for pint, elevating the atmosphere into something that felt genuinely communal.
All in all, The Choir of Man remains a joyful ode to friendship, community, and the fading art of a proper night at the pub. A show with emotional highs and lows—not just in the notes—and one that leaves you feeling like you’ve shared something special. 10/10 for sentiment. Perfect for all ages. Just remember: audience participation is encouraged, so you might want to warm up your vocal cords.
If you don’t want to miss Choir of Man at The Arts Theatre in London’s Soho, you might want to grab your ticket soon as they close in January 2026, however they aren’t completely vanishing as their US and UK tours are scheduled to continue into 2027. Let's cheers to that!
This show was reviewed on the 7th October 2025 at the Arts Theatre, London where it runs until the 4th January 2026. Tickets available here: The Choir of Man | Official West End Tickets
Review written by Lauren Atkinson
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Photo credit: Mark Douet
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