It is the great British past-time. Getting together with a group of friends down at the local pub, putting the world to rights, having a laugh and enjoying a nice cold beverage. The tradition of music and singing in pubs dates back centuries with a ‘good old cockney knees up’. That tradition is continued with Choir of Man, as the show celebrates its one-year anniversary at the Arts Theatre.
Transforming the stage of the Arts into a pub called The Jungle, you are transported directly into the energy of a pub, with pints available from the on-stage bar. The show brings everything that you would expect to find in your local pub to the London stage, from the hopeless romantic to the joker who pulls pranks on everyone, and even the masterful Landlord, who is not only in charge of the pub, but can sometimes even be a counsellor during their ‘punter’s’ hard times.
The energy on stage from every performer and member of the band is astounding. From the incredible Tap talents of Ben Goffe to the masterful piano skills of Michele Benvenuto, it is incredibly hard to single anyone out. Each member of the cast brought something truly incredible to the show.
The song choices were all well-known songs that can get everyone singing along to, and each one was stunningly delivered. From Mark Irwin’s astonishing vocals during Queen’s Somebody to Love, all the way to Mike Hamway’s heartfelt rendition of Dance with My Father by Luther Vandross, there is quite literally a song for everyone.
A rollercoaster of emotions is brought to every aspect of this production to create possibly one of the best nights of entertainment that can be achieved in a London theatre. It is clear why this show has made it to its first anniversary in London. So, let us raise a glass in celebration, and hope that Choir of Man can celebrate many more years on London stages, as this show deserves it.
It runs until 18 February. Tickets from £31: here.
Review: Joshua Thompson