An uplifting celebration of community and friendship where everyone is welcome, don’t miss this feel-good night of foot-stomping entertainment, so good you’ll want to come back and see it again and again. ticket link
- The Poet is the show’s storyteller, how do you find the balance between holding the narrative thread and just letting loose with the rest of the company?
I am tasked with delivering the speeches that act as glue to the show, which requires a lot of focus as there is so much to remember. Also, every night and every audience gives the dialogue a different flavour. However, there are so many little moments, especially in the musical numbers where the boys and I throw some shapes together and have a party. During the home speeches where I have the privilege to share a snippet of where each of the boys is from, we can’t prepare for what an audience member may shout out, so we are all in that together and those moments can be very fun and interesting.
- The Second Woman is about as far from a pub singalong as theatre gets. What drew you to The Choir of Man after that kind of work?
I am a person who hopes the creative endeavours I am involved in make a positive impact. This show is so uplifting even for us as performers, and it’s a show I believe in. We are technically paid to be an extended version of ourselves in the Pub; what more could one ask for? However, the messages behind the show and the reactions every night make this show one of the most fulfilling and rewarding things I have ever been part of. I’d like to say Choir of Man found me, and I am so blessed to be part of the amazing team bringing this show to the UK and Ireland for its very first time on tour.
- The show makes a real argument for communal joy as something almost political. Is that something you feel in the room each night, or does it take a while to build?
The Joy that is shared each night is so infectious and contagious. This is from the moment the pre-show starts and people realise they can go on stage and grab a pint just like they were in their local. The fourth wall is also very much non-existent, so this creates a very chill environment audience members can relax in. However, everyone is different. My favourite people in this show are certain dads that seemed to have been dragged down by their partners and have their arms folded at the beginning of the show. However, by the interval they are jumping up and down and giving their best dad moves.
Also, this show reminds people of the importance of community and togetherness. The Jungle is more than just a physical place it’s the people and memories created.
- Nine men, one stage, a lot of beer, what’s the company dynamic actually like backstage?
We actually can’t stand each other behind the scenes; this is where all the acting pays dividends. That’s a big fat lie. The only hot gossip here is that we are such a tight-knit bunch that shares much love and respect for each other. I am so privileged to share the stage with such lovely, hardworking and talented people who I can now call friends (hopefully they think the same). This is a company that practices what we preach every night. We all have each other’s backs, and we look after each other. There is a shoulder to lean on everywhere you turn, and that bleeds onto the stage and seems to read every night. This is all very handy cause we are going to be together most of this year, and so far, so good.
- The Jungle Choir Community Project means a different local choir joining you on opening night in every city, how does that change the energy of the performance?
This is such a special part of our week, and we get to sing together with different choirs on our tour stops. We sing a rendition together with the choirs of one of the songs we sing in the show (you’ll have to come and see the show to find out what that song is). Quite simply, the energy is electric and what a wonderful moment to show how powerful music and singing together is.
- What do you want an audience member who’s never thought of themselves as a “theatre person” to walk away feeling?
If you don‘t consider yourself a “theatre person”, this is the perfect show to remind you that theatre is for everyone. All stripes, all shades are welcome, and there is no judgement here. It bridges the gap between regular theatre goers and “theatre newbies” as it’s just like being at your local pub. You don’t know what to expect; I don’t know what to expect, but we create this night together. I hope people leave the show uplifted and are reminded of the importance of gathering and the sanctity of communal spaces. I also hope that our show permits people to speak up if they are suffering in silence. Our differences should be appreciated, celebrated, and bring us together. The Choir of Man has something for everyone. There are songs you know, dancing, free beer garnished with a side of lovely spoken word. People should leave thinking the harmonies in the show arranged by Jack Blume are the juiciest, most scrumptious harmonies they have ever heard. Also, quite simply, if you come and see the Choir of Man, “You’ve had it!!” (the best night of your life, hopefully). See you in the Jungle!