Community, crisps and a cracking feel-good time
Do you know someone who would rather go to a pub than a musical? This is the one for them! Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay’s Choir of Man is a feel-good jukebox musical with a heartfelt throughline of monologue about the individual regulars at “The Jungle” pub. Discussing themes of home, community and belonging this piece of theatre really aims for everybody to join them from the audience from the get go. The stage is dressed like a traditional pub, stained glass backdrop behind alcohol, familiar patterned wallpaper and a huge bar complete with pub tables.
The audience participation element was a great way to get everybody involved as if in an authentic pub, encouraging the original title “public house” meaning all would be welcome. Audiences were invited to join the cast onstage as a pre-show, and then again during the interval. This could get chaotic and busy with so many attendees, so a massive well done to the ushers and staff at the New Wimbledon Theatre.
The cast members of the show demonstrated their individuality and insane amount of talent from accessing those high falsetto notes, tap dancing at the bar and storytelling with heart and soul through words or song. The friendship displayed was moving, clearly the cast got along both onstage and backstage based on their chemistry as a team of nine. A shoutout to Freddie Huddleston for his movement and choreography skills, especially since he originated the role of “Handyman”, since the orchestration of space and bonds between members echoed through his work.
The nature of the musical being that of a “jukebox” style, this opened up the floor to those who know British classic community sing-alongs, contemporary ballads and nostalgic songs from pop music past. Jukebox musicals are notorious for trying to bring a contemporary audience in, however this felt more purposeful due to the pub setting and playing songs most likely to feature in that environment for the choir to sing. This also brings a shared knowledge and understanding for audience members, removing the barrier of being a hardcore theatre fanatic and allowing space for those who wouldn’t usually attend musicals.
This was a particularly special night for two community choirs as well, who attended the gala night. They were given the opportunity to sing an acapella rendition of Sia’s “Chandelier” with the cast from the stalls. Experiencing this live was a special moment for all as this was the first of many on tour they were sharing, making the performance even more unique and breaking the fourth wall again to offer up a community in house.
Overall, the amazing talent shone through from cast and creatives and was a fun and relaxing watch. Cheers!
Follow the tour dates here