Festival Theatre, Malvern – until 25th July 2026
Reviewed by Courie Amado Juneau
5*****
The Choir of Man is a show that is very much á la mode. On its first national tour, I keep hearing about it… And what I’m hearing is very positive, with everyone loving it. So my expectation level was very high.
“Welcome to the Jungle” was the opening song – and a fitting one given that the fictional pub was, naturally, called The Jungle. It’s worth pointing out that there is no actual storyline. The whole show is a series of monologues that highlight the joy of pubs, male bonding and choirs, interspersed with songs and dance routines and massive globules of comedy. Being, myself, a man in a choir I can appreciate the ethos.
The cast is varied and I think changeable – since the programme showed more people than we saw tonight. Tonight we had Sam Ebenezer (Swing), Rob Godfrey (Beast – my favourite as he was on guitar throughout), Joshua Lloyd (Barman), Ben Mabberley (Joker), Gustav Melbardis (Maestro), Aaron Pottenger (Bore), Jack Skelton (Handyman), Levi Tyrell Johnson (Hard Man) and Sam Walter (Romantic). All brilliant.
The opening monologue showed how inspired the Monolgues Writer Ben Norris is (like a cross between Benjamin Zephaniah and John Cooper Clarke). It was refreshing to actually hear some positive male bonding and to explore the complex world of masculinity. This theatre piece fulfills the same function as men’s sheds and the like. Worth having in this world if only for that alone!
Principally, though, it comes down to the music and performance of the same. Big anthems are sprinkled throughout, nestling in among the lesser known hits and some genuine curve-balls like “The Impossible Dream”, which was given a welcome outing as far as this reviewer was concerned. An early peak.
The quick changes kept coming – trainers to tap shoes (I didn’t think I would ever enjoy tap dancing so much!), pop into jazz (with a knowing “it’s a different version” refrain from one of the stars) and from rousing ensemble set-pieces to intimate (ahem) trios at the (ahem) urinal! This scene is hilarious btw, and my definite highlight of the entire show. In the second half “Dance with My Father” was another emotional peak.
If you’re so inclined to see a theatre from the stage, get to the show early to catch the chance to enjoy the functioning on-stage bar, grab a pint (sadly no Licor 43, but you can’t have everything) and shmooz with the cast. They seemed to be having a genuinely wonderful time with their public and who can blame them – it really does look like the perfect job to have.
This show truly does have something for everyone. It reminded me of watching Sammy Davis Jr on TV – inspirational hits, tap, dance, vaudeville… All in all a very enjoyable night of all-round entertainment. The crowd were up on their feet and in fine voice – and I know as I had some ladies behind me who were extremely loud (my ears are still ringing!). So, yes, ladies totally got into it too. We all did. Those saying it was amazing were right. I cannot recommend this show highly enough.