The 2022 Olivier award-winning Choir of Man from Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay has set foot in many arenas and theatres across the world. Its most recent UK and Ireland adventure starts in Wimbledon, to spread the sense of community and warmth one feels when going to the pub. Overall, the production has shown a lot of thought on how to adapt its audience participation and pub immersion to theatres' shapes and sizes. The tight-knit spirit of the cast shines through despite Wimbledon's grand stage and multi-tiered seating. As the cast raises a glass to The Jungle, the immersive pub where the musical takes place, one cannot feel anything but pride for individuality and diversity that brings people together.
The Jungle does not disappoint when it opens its doors to the signature immersive pub experience. Pre-show, and during the interval, audience members are invited on stage to explore, take photos, interact with the cast members and order a beer if they choose to (£4.50 a pint). This immersive side to the production sets a precedent for both audience partakers and bystanders as it celebrates harmony within the community, where a feeling of friendliness and generosity illuminates the stage. After audience members are ushered back to their seats, the jukebox musical begins with crisp and raw harmonies right out of the gate.
It is often a challenge to get a touring production to the same quality level as the original. This cast certainly does not disappoint. Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi led the fray with well-versed poetry. Even though there is a poet in every Choir of Man production, Nimi plays the role gracefully, drawing the audience members in with unique stories of the characters inspired by their personal backgrounds. The actor brings many audience members to tears with his heartfelt rendition of “Dance with My Father”, supported by close harmonies from the Choir of Man cast.
There are many stand-out moments for all nine cast members, such as Jack Skelton's talented tap dancing, the impressive pianist gusto from Gustav Melbardis, the passionate tenor presence from Joshua Lloyd and deep melodious tones from Rob Godfrey. Their warm presence plays right into audience participation, where people were jumping out of their seats to be on stage with them. As a unit, the cast energy gels very well together, bringing the audience to its feet in applause.
Before the night's final number, the cast introduces a new concept to the tour, The Jungle Choir Community Project, inviting local choirs to take part in the production on opening night in every touring city. As an ode to the local neighbourhood, the production carefully pre-selected singing groups that best represent their story of celebrating diversity and harmony through music. Vocal Arranger Jack Blume rises to the challenge with valour, producing a clean, crisp sound between two non-audition choirs, the Busketeers and West End Musical Choir, both of which have multiple rehearsal locations throughout London and the UK. The Jungle Choir for Wimbledon's opening night is a smash hit, singing a close-harmony rendition of Chandelier with the Choir of Man cast. Voices fill the high-ceiling theatre, as more than 200 voices echo from the auditorium and stalls.
Families and friends will thoroughly enjoy the production, as its heartfelt message of diversity lives on. Catch it in your local town as the cast shares its story throughout the UK and Ireland. It will ultimately make audience members walk out with a smile on their face, humming the pop classics, and may even convince them to take their joy to the local pub, if they are old enough!
It runs until 21 March.
Review: Ramsey Baghdadi