Hall for Cornwall, Truro – until 12th September 2026
Reviewed by Kerry Gilbert
5*****
Uplifting, inviting, and bursting with energy, it’s a show well worth raising a pint to.
I went into The Choir of Man with very little idea of what to expect, knowing almost nothing about the show beforehand. However, the moment I stepped into the hall, it was clear this was not going to be a typical night at the theatre.
The stage had been transformed into a fully functioning pub and audience members were invited onstage to grab a beer, chat with the cast, and soak up the atmosphere. It immediately broke down the usual barriers between audience and performers and set the tone for the immersive experience to come.
At its heart, The Choir of Man is a joyous celebration of the pub as a cultural institution. It highlights the pub as a home away from home, a place where people can connect, share stories, and escape the pressures of everyday life for a few precious hours.
As the show gets underway, it quickly wins over the audience with its charm, humour, and heart. Through a blend of music, storytelling, and comedy, you gradually get to know the nine characters who frequent The Jungle, the pub at the centre of the story. They are far more than performers; they are singers, musicians, storytellers, and hosts, warmly inviting the audience into their world.
The cast is exceptional throughout. Rob Godfrey as Beast, Joshua Lloyd as Barman, Ben Mabberley as Joker, Gustav Melbardis as Maestro, Oluwalonimi Owoyemi (Mimi) as Poet, Aaron Pottenger as Bore, Jack Skelton as Handyman, Levi Tyrell Johnson as Hard Man, and Sam Walter as Romantic each bring their own distinct personality and talent to the stage. Their chemistry is infectious, and their combination of powerhouse vocals, sharp comic timing, and impressive multi-instrumental skills keeps the energy flowing from start to finish.
The opening number, Welcome to the Jungle, was the perfect introduction, especially as we discovered the pub itself shares the same name. Within moments, the audience was clapping along and fully invested in the fun.
Joshua Lloyd’s Barman had the audience firmly in the palm of his hand with a stunning rendition of Queen’s Somebody to Love, while Oluwalonimi Owoyemi’s Poet delivered a more emotional and reflective moment with Dance With My Father. Another standout came from Jack Skelton’s Handyman, whose energetic tap dancing across the bar and tabletops drew enthusiastic applause.
Freddie Huddleston’s choreography deserves special mention. The cast of nine rarely stops moving, and the precision and creativity of the movement throughout the show are remarkable. One particularly memorable sequence featured the cast expertly incorporating beer glasses into a routine set to Fun’s Some Nights, creating a visually striking and highly entertaining spectacle.
What truly sets The Choir of Man apart is its interaction with the audience. Throughout the evening, cast members invited willing participants onstage, sang and danced alongside them, handed out drinks, and even tossed snacks into the crowd. It all contributes to a wonderfully immersive atmosphere that makes you feel less like a spectator and more like a regular at The Jungle.
The Choir of Man is unlike anything I’ve seen before. It proves that musical theatre doesn’t need grand drama or complex plots to be memorable. Instead, it succeeds through warmth, humour, exceptional musicianship, and a genuine celebration of community. Uplifting, inviting, and bursting with energy, it’s a show well worth raising a pint to.