There are musicals that tell a story, and there are musicals that create a feeling. The Choir of Man, now on tour and playing Theatre Royal Bath, firmly belongs to the latter — and what it delivers is something closer to a theatrical celebration than a conventional night at the theatre.
The international smash-hit musical is visiting Bath on first-ever UK and Ireland tour, direct from London’s West End to Saturday, March 28 and the feel-good, foot-stomping show is set to visit more than 35 venues.
Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, and directed by Nic Doodson, The Choir of Man is set in an on-stage pub called The Jungle, and the show wastes no time in breaking down the usual barriers between performers and audience.
Before the performance even properly begins, the cast are already mingling, chatting and, in some cases, pulling audience members into the experience. It’s disarming, warm and immediately engaging – a bit like stepping into a local pub where everyone already knows your name.
The Choir of Man is a highly energetic, 90-minute blend of live music, carefully directed choreography, spoken word poetry and storytelling about the role that pubs play in their local community. There is no traditional plot; instead the show revolves around musical numbers and monologues exploring themes of friendship, loneliness, masculinity and connection.
The UK & Ireland Tour cast features Gustav Melbardis as Maestro, Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi as Poet, Levi Tyrell Johnson as Hard Man, Ben Mabberley as Joker, Rob Godfrey as Beast, Jack Skelton as Handyman, Joshua Lloyd as Barman, Sam Walter as Romantic, Aaron Pottenger as Bore, with Sam Ebenezer, Jared Leathwood, Niall Woodson and Lewis Dragisic as Swings.
The cast of nine are, quite simply, exceptional. Each performer is a genuine multi-hyphenate - singing, dancing, playing instruments and acting with effortless confidence. The vocal harmonies are tight and often stirring, whether re-working modern hits or delivering more reflective moments.
The choreography directed by Freddie Huddleston, particularly Jack Skelton’s percussive tap routines, adds a rhythmic drive that keeps the show constantly moving.
Musically, the range is broad and crowd-pleasing, featuring hits from artists including Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry. The arrangements are inventive, turning familiar songs into something communal and immediate, often encouraging the audience to respond in kind. At times, it feels less like watching a show and more like being part of a shared event.
What elevates The Choir of Man beyond a traditional musical is its emotional undercurrent. Beneath the laughter, humour and pint-raising exuberance lies a more thoughtful exploration of male identity and mental wellbeing. Moments of vulnerability are woven through the production, giving the show a surprising depth and resonance.
But the production is not without its limitations. Those expecting a tightly structured narrative may find themselves searching for a clearer storyline. Some of the monologues can feel slightly overstated, and the tone occasionally tips towards sentimentality. But these are minor quibbles in a show that is driven more by atmosphere than plot.
Ultimately, The Choir of Man succeeds because of its sheer generosity of spirit. It is exuberant without being empty, heartfelt without becoming heavy-handed, and consistently entertaining.
Tuesday’s performance included audience participation by several Bath-based community choir members in a special choral arrangement of Sia’s Chandelier, which added to the electric atmosphere at the end of the show.
As the final number builds and the cast raise one last collective toast, the overriding feeling is unmistakable: this is theatre designed to lift the spirits. And in that respect, it succeeds wholeheartedly.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5)
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