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Friday, 28 July 2023

The Choir of Man at the Arts Theatre Review: A Musical Celebration of Humanity

a true testament to the power of music and its ability to bring people together"

The Choir of Man

Arts Theatre

★★★★

I recently had the pleasure of making a return visit to see The Choir of Man at the Arts theatre, a show which celebrates humanity, pubs and music in a truly joyous way.

Although the onstage beer wasn't working at this particular performance, the setup of the Arts for this show is so well done. The audience are truly made to feel like they've entered a community hub and the pre-show interactions perfectly pave the way for the impressive show that's to follow.

The show's concept is simple, it portrays a group of men coming together in a pub setting, sharing their stories and bonding through music. The songs are a bit random and there's not much of a through line but the seamless blend of humour, heartfelt moments, and raw emotions make this a truly memorable show, perfect for a lighthearted, fun night out.

This really is a show about friendship and the cast's camaraderie is evident throughout, with little interactions throughout coming across as truly genuine. There's also a really special connection created with the audience. The interactions with spectators, make you feel like you're part of the lively gathering, further enhancing the immersive experience.

The set and lighting design (Richard Dinnen) perfectly complement the show's no frills ambiance, transporting us to the cozy pub atmosphere where the magic unfolds. It's simple yet effective, allowing the spotlight to remain on the performers and their exceptional talents. The whole show is a vocal treat, with handfuls of glorious harmonies as well as some great dance and movement moments.

The Choir of Man is a true testament to the power of music and its ability to bring people together. It not only showcases the incredible vocal abilities of the cast but also celebrates the sense of community and brotherhood, leaving the audience with a heartwarming feeling. It's not the most cohesive or polished show, and it probably won't change your life but the overall joyous experience is exactly what we all need right now.

This show is the perfect embodiment of live theatre. It's a really unique show that has rightfully carved out a space in the West End and deserves to be seen and celebrated. If you love music and want an hour and a half of feel-good-fun then this is the show for you!

Reviewed on Wednesday 26th July 2023 by Olivia Mitchell

Photo Credit: The Other Richard

{AD PR Invite- tickets gifted in exchange for honest review}

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Friday, 25 March 2022

The Choir of Man to return to the Arts Theatre, London this Autumn 2022

Due to phenomenal demand, the smash-hit, Olivier-nominated The Choir of Man returns to The Arts Theatre in London’s West End this autumn, with performances beginning 1 October 2022 and a national press night on Thursday 13 October. Tickets will be on sale from 10.00am, Friday 25 March.

Casting is to be announced.

The initial limited season at The Arts Theatre will finish on Sunday 3 April 2022. This month, it was announced that the show has received an Olivier nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.

The Choir of Man has previously played three sell-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and multiple sold-out US and European tours.

The Choir of Man is the best lock-in at your local you'll ever have, featuring amazing reinventions of folk, pop, Broadway and rock chart-toppers from artists including Guns ‘N’ Roses, Fun!, Adele, Avicii, Paul Simon, Sia and many more. It’s a party, it’s a concert and it’s a lock-in like no other.

The multi-talented cast combine beautiful harmonies and foot-stomping singalongs with world-class tap dance and poetic meditations on the power of community. This is a riotously feel-good homage to that gathering place we all love: the pub, complete with a real working bar on stage.

The Choir of Man is created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, directed by Nic Doodson, with musical supervision, vocal arrangements and orchestrations by Jack Blume, movement direction and choreography by Freddie Huddleston, monologues written by Ben Norris, scenic design by Oli Townsend, lighting design by Richard Dinnen, costume design and associate scenic design by Verity Sadler, sound design by Sten Severson, casting by Debbie O’Brien. Associate Choreographer is Rachel Chapman and Associate Musical Director is Hollie Cassar.

The show is produced by Immersive Everywhere, Nic Doodson, Andrew Kay, Wendy & Andy Barnes and AK Theatricals.

Website: choirofmanwestend.com

Facebook: @thechoirofman

Twitter & Instagram: @choirofman

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Friday, 12 November 2021

The Choir of Man, Arts Theatre | Review

The Choir of Man

Arts Theatre

Reviewed on Thursday 11th November 2021 by Olivia Mitchell

★★★★

Nine men, a pub, singing, dancing and amazing energy levels, The Choir of Man is an absolute treat of a show that's ready to entertain audiences this year at the Arts Theatre. Following three sell-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and various US and European tours, a West End debut seems like the natural next step and how lucky we are that it's found a home in London where it can spread musical joy every evening.

Set in your average pub (The Jungle), the show follows nine individuals as they discuss aspects of their lives and share their stories with one another in a sort of beer filled utopia. The show features a number of reimagined classic songs such as Sia's Chandelier, The Impossible Dream from Man of La Mancha, Somebody to Love and many more. Every single number is performed expertly by the performers and you're constantly waiting for the next song to start and wrap you up in its harmony filled embrace.

What's so wonderful about this show is the simplicity of it. The basic set includes a bar, some tables and the band set up on a higher level. The costumes are everyday clothes and aside from some glasses and the occasional other item, there are no props. This is a show which really relies on its cast to carry it and they do so with an ease and grace that only comes with innate musicality. It's wonderful to experience such powerful harmonies without any gimmicks overshadowing them. One aspect which must be mentioned though, is Richard Dinnen's lighting design which works perfectly with the songs and helps evoke the various moods throughout.

The only flaw with The Choir of Man is that there isn't really any story or through line to the songs. Whilst it's great that each moment is a snapshot into one of the men's lives, it would be nice if there was a little more plot to tie everything up and round it out. However, credit must go to Ben Norris who plays The Poet and also wrote the monologues which open and close the show and are dotted throughout. These moments are funny, moving and so well performed. Ben is really a masterful storyteller and is completely enthralling.

In fact, the whole cast and band are first-rate. They work smoothly both individually and as a team and really make you feel like you're on a night out with a group of friends.

The energy of this show is really like nothing else on in the West End. Each moment was a sucker punch of emotion or musical brilliance and the whole audience seemed to be buzzing throughout. If you want feel-good, The Choir of Man is the show for you! The cast seems to so genuinely enjoy performing and it really shows and helps make the experience so uplifting and welcoming. This show is a perfect reminder of the importance of community, a message which couldn't be more prevalent now, and it's well worth a visit (and probably a repeat visit) for a night of carefree fun.

Photo credit: Helen Maybanks

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