The Choir Of Man Review: vocals soar and pints pour for positive masculinity
- Jack Davey
- 13 hours ago
- 3 min read
09 June 2026 I 19:30 I Theatre Royal Nottingham (UK & Ireland Tour)
⭐⭐⭐⭐ I PR - Invite
As Guns 'n' Roses famously said... Welcome To The Jungle!! Direct from London's West End, The Choir Of Man has arrived in Nottingham for one week only. Set in the fictional pub known as 'The Jungle', the evening sees nine men from different backgrounds get together, challenging stereotypes about what it means to be a man in the modern day.
In style, think of The Choir Of Man like a male jukebox alternative to SIX: The Musical, just with more beer! Before the show and during the interval, audiences in the stalls have the opportunity to head up onto the stage and buy a beer, or chat with the boys as if it were a fully functioning bar. Viewers are encouraged to be relaxed during the production, with invitations to sing along and film the final moments.
Featuring well-known songs (arranged by Jack Blume) such as 500 Miles, Somebody To Love and The Piña Colada Song, the musical guarantees and entertaining evening for all demographics. Though especially for the young men in the audience, what a privilege it is to have this message being shared, providing a kinder counter-voice to the rise of toxic masculinity.
Between Oli Townsend's scenic design and Verity Sadler's costuming, the pub's artistry is entirely believable with all the recognisable features from your local: bottle displays, picture frames adorning the walls, chipped bar stools you name it! Everyone is welcome as the cast frequently engage with us both onstage and off. Joshua Lloyd's Barman is the commanding and hearty pint-puller, while Ben Mabberley's Joker pulls audience members into cheeky games; the lively community spirit breathes through the cast.
And occasionally, this enthusiasm bleeds into the auditorium slightly too much, fuelled by the presence of alcohol. Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Oyeyemi helps to ground the show as our narrator of sorts. He impressively lifts the momentum of the show, juggling spontaneous and playful heckles with great charisma. As the Poet, he introduces us to each of the performers using their real names and childhood memories. This moment is inherently personal, allowing us the chance to connect with the actors as 'ordinary people' that live the lives we do, through the highs and lows.
Act Two is significantly shorter in length as the cast 'finish' the show before its expected run-time. As one of their encore performances, they reprise their divine acapella rendition of Sia's Chandelier which we saw earlier in the show. This time around however, a staggering 232 choir members from in/around Nottingham stood up in the auditorium and sung alongside the cast. Words cannot do it justice, it was simply breathtaking as a magical end to the evening. Try and find another musical that can get 241 people singing harmonies together!!
The Choir Of Man boasts an extremely versatile company of nine, incorporating live instrumental work and tap dancing (Jack Skelton's engrossing bar-top routine) into musical numbers. Nic Doodson's direction really compliments touring life in its global appeal to masculinity. For more reserved audience members like myself, the level of involvement can be intense, but regardless of your feelings on this, its unifying power to make audiences jump to their feet, pint-in-hand and singing along is an incredible feat.
Full UK & Ireland Tour Information: https://www.thechoirofmanukietour.com/
