The Choir of Man has just celebrated it’s 4th birthday in the West End and I made a return visit to see if it still retained its original charm. for 4 years the Arts Theatre has been transformed to The Jungle, a pub where the regulars come together not for a pool or darts team but for their choir practise and invite the audience along each night. Through the medium of songs and monologue we learn about the inhabitants of the Jungle, their friendships, all washed down with beer and a side serving of crisps.

Each time I’ve seen the show I’m struck by what comes across as genuine comradery by the men on stage. It feels as if the audience get a sneak peek into their friendship and welcomed warmly int the inner circle for the night. This is enhanced by a monologue towards the end of the show which gives the audience an insight into each of the performers background. This helps keep the show feeling fresh and it means each time you see the show there is something unique about each one. Whilst there is no real plot to the how this isn’t missed and instead the themes of community and male friendship shines through.

Each member of The Choir of Man is named after a personality trait including ‘The Beast,’ ‘The Romantic,’ ‘The Bore,’ ‘The Poet,’ ‘The Barman,’ ‘The Hardman,’ ‘The Handyman,’ ‘The Maestro’ and ‘The Joker.’ This helps the audience quickly understand each character and makes them quickly relatable. It’s also a lovely touch that as the show progresses you learn more about the characters behind the 2 dimensional names.

The poet played by Paul McArthur, has most of the talking throughout and has some social commentary about the future of pubs and men’s health. McArthur is brilliantly engaging and has the audience hanging off his every word. Cal T King plays the Beast and his bass vocals really stand out, Alex Mallalieu who is normally a swing was on for the Maestro and his ability to not only sing, dance as well as play the piano combined with spot on comic timing made me glad I had caught one of his performances. Jason Brock was the Romantic and his vocals during Somebody To Love also really shone, as did his warm cheeky energy.

It would be easy to wax lyrical about all of the 9 cast members as the strength of the show is ultimately derived not from all of their individual talents (of which it is copious) but their collective ability as well as the band of 4 who are an integral part of the show. They are positioned above the action but often find themselves in the heart of the action. The band aren’t the only ones and members of the audience are regaled throughout the show, seeking to enhance the feeling that everyone is welcome at The Jungle.

The music is varied and includes everything from Adele to a folk song and from the Proclaimers to Guns ‘N’ Roses with Queen and Sia thrown in for good measure. Whilst the music is varied the quality remained consistent, tight harmonies and great vocalists appeared in each number. The arrangements are by Jack Blume and his ability to make the numbers sound unique yet pay homage to the originals. It is not just singing however where the casts talents lie, some of the upbeat numbers give the a chance to show off their dance ability. The leap onto the bar, tables and more throughout the show. 2 of the dance highlights includes 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, with a tap dance performed by Ben Goffe who played the Handyman and Some Nights where the whole cast perform this number complete with beer tankards and a toe tapping routine. It is not just the upbeat numbers however that are the show highlights. Dance With My Father Again is sung beautifully and provides a moment of stillness in the show where their voices and storytelling do all of the talking.

Choir of Man on the surface is an fun night out at the theatre, with talented performers singing songs in wonderful harmony but layered beneath this is a show with an important theme which reels the audience in and you end up feeling like you’ve spent a night in the pub with your closest friends putting the world to rights.

The Choir of Man is running until January 2026. You can find out more and book ticket here.

If you like this review of The Choir of Man you might also like my review of Back to the Future, The Devil Wears Prada and Hadestown.