The Choir of Man
Theatre Royal Brighton
until Saturday 25th April and then continues on its UK tour
After a humble beginning at the Edinburgh Fringe, a phenomenal run at the Arts Theatre in London, The Choir of Man is on a national tour bringing song and delight to audiences up and down the UK. This week it is the turn of Brighton! What a night it was.
The Choir of Man is described as an uplifting celebration of community and friendship where everyone is welcome. They have got that description spot on! The setting is ‘The Jungle’ a regular pub for regular guys – who sing…and sing damn well. Throughout the evening we are treated to new arrangements to popular classics from Adele, Katy Perry, Queen and many more.
Songs are interspersed with musings from ‘Poet’ Nimi. He introduces the actors (real their biographies) in The Jungle, they represent characters that grace every pub in Britain, ordinary men, men from different backgrounds and heritage, men who have a story about home, and men who need each other. This musical journey celebrates being there for each other, honouring community places (pubs, halls, groups, choirs….).
Don’t expect a story, expect an experience. The Jungle is an onstage bar where members of the audience are invited up to buy a drink and mingle with the cast before the show and during the interval. They may even be invited to partake in a few bar games. During the show, the cast invite one or two audience members to take part as well. It is all part of the fun, the community, at no point do the audience not feel involved.
The Choir of Man is a joyous night out. At the end of the evening there was another special treat. The singers on stage (led by Niall Woodson) were joined by 100+ members of ‘The Busketeers’ a Brighton based Community Choir singing Sia’s Chandelier. It was incredibly moving. Such a beautiful touch.
Well recommended
Reviewer: Sammi O’Neill
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cast
Maestro Gustav Melbardis
The Poet Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi
Hard Man Levi Tyrell Johnson
Joker Ben Mabberley
Beast Rob Godfrey
Handyman Jack Skelton
Barman Joshua Lloyd (played in Brighton by Niall Woodson )
Romantic Sam Walter (played in Brighton by Sam Ebenezer )
Bore Aaron Pottenger
with Sam Ebenezer, Jared Leathwood, Niall Woodson and Lewis Dragisic as Swings.