STORYHOUSE, CHESTER – UNTIL SATURDAY 22 AUGUST 2026
REVIEWED BY MIA BOWEN
5*****
I went into The Choir of Man knowing almost nothing about it. I left wondering why on earth it had taken me so long to discover it.
As someone who has always loved the rich, spine-tingling sound of a male voice choir, I thought I knew what I was in for. I couldn’t have been more wrong—in the very best way.
Before the show even began, Storyhouse had transformed its theatre into The Dragon, a warm, bustling British/Irish pub. The friendly theatre volunteers encouraged us to head onto the stage itself, buy a drink from the fully working bar and soak up the atmosphere. Naturally, I wasn’t going to turn down the chance to have a pint on stage!
The place was already buzzing. The stage bar was packed with people chatting, laughing and clinking glasses. Then I realised something rather brilliant—the actors were already there amongst us, happily talking to audience members as though we’d all been regulars for years. It immediately broke down that invisible wall between audience and performer, making everyone feel like they’d wandered into their favourite local rather than a theatre.
As everyone returned to their seats, the show’s narrator, the wonderfully charismatic Poet, Oluwalonimi Owoyemi, introduced us to the other eight men who call The Dragon home. There’s the Bore, the Romantic, the Barman, the Maestro, the Joker, the Handyman, the Beast and the Hard Man—each recognisable from almost every pub in Britain. (If you don’t know one of them, you probably are one.)
There’s no traditional plot, and honestly, it doesn’t need one. Instead, each character tells their own story through music, humour and beautifully written spoken word, creating something that feels incredibly personal.
What follows is one hundred and twenty minutes of astonishing musicianship. Every cast member sings. Every cast member plays instruments. Every cast member dances—and I mean really dances. The choreography is exhilarating; the harmonies are flawless and the sheer energy on stage is infectious. One moment you’re laughing at perfectly timed comedy, the next you’re wiping away a tear before bursting into applause after another breathtaking vocal arrangement.
The soundtrack is packed with familiar songs, cleverly reinvented with powerful harmonies and inventive arrangements that had the audience singing along, clapping and cheering throughout. It’s impossible not to get swept up in it.
But beneath all the fun, The Choir of Man quietly delivers something much deeper. It’s a celebration of friendship, community and the importance of looking out for one another. It also explores men’s mental health with honesty and sensitivity, reminding us that strength isn’t about hiding your feelings—it’s about knowing there will always be someone to share a pint, a laugh or a conversation with.
The entire cast is exceptional, and together they create something truly special. You don’t simply watch The Choir of Man; you’re welcomed into it. I laughed. I sang. I applauded until my hands hurt. I even found myself getting a little emotional. Raise a glass to The Choir of Man—it’s heartfelt, hilarious, uplifting and quite simply one of the most joyous evenings I’ve ever spent in a theatre.