Review: The Choir of Man at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre

★★★★★

Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award-nominated, jukebox musical, The Choir of Man is out on its first UK tour, playing at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this Autumn. Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, and directed by Nic Doodson, this musical is a tale of community and friendship, set in a traditional British pub; a space familiar to all.

The production begins from the moment you enter the auditorium with the performers already on stage, and a chance for audience members to join them for a chat and a pint poured from the real working bar, designed by Oli Townsend. This unique concept also continues into some of the musical numbers, as well as the interval and beginning of act 2, where audience members are invited in to The Jungle for pints, games of beer pong, and sing-a-longs. 

The general premise of The Choir of Man is simple yet effective; viewers are welcomed to an evening at their new local pub where stories are shared, and songs are sung. At the centre of this show is the importance of spaces like pubs for gathering, and sharing highs, lows and woes. At a time when these spaces are declining, this message is a much-needed reminder of what we could lose. While the production doesn’t have a traditional plot as such, music, heart, and openness are what drive The Choir of Man. 

The Choir of Man stars: Rob Godfrey as Beast, Joshua Lloyd as Barman, Ben Mabberley as Joker, Gustav Melbardis as Maestro, Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi as Poet, Aaron Pottenger as Bore, Jack Skelton as Handyman, Levi Tyrell Johnson as Hard Man, and Sam Walter as Romantic, with Swings: Lewis Dragisic, Sam Ebenezer, Jaed Leathwood, and Niall Woodon.

The production features an intimate cast of just nine characters, introduced with monologues written by Ben Morris and delivered by ‘Poet’ Nimi. Each persona showcases an archetype of one of the many men you might find in any pub up and down the country; from the loveable joker to the hard man who is more beneath the surface than it first seems, from the ‘bore’ full of pub quiz knowledge to the romantic who offers gentle queer representation in this production. 

Filled to the brim with great musical hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns & Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry, this talented group of instrumentalists, world-class wordsmiths, and singers serve up a range of moving numbers alongside lively, uplifting moments. As a collective, the choir deliver beautifully harmonious vocals that echo through the theatre. Each performer is also given a chance to shine individually, with particular stand-outs being Jack Skelton’s tap dancing and Joshua Lloyd’s soaring voice.  

Balancing rowdy, sometimes crass pub-style humour with relatable life stories, The Choir of Man is a feel-good show full of laughter and kindness. A celebration of community and connection, this musical breaks down toxic masculinity to highlight the importance of talking and listening. Portraying a softer side of masculinity in a world that often teaches men to bottle it up, it’s no wonder this musical partners with charity, CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).

The Choir of Man plays at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre until Saturday 24th October. Tickets are on sale now, so don’t miss the ring of the final call bell.

This review was written following a press invite to the production.