“The Choir of Man is a wonderfully uplifting and memorable night out, full of humour and heartfelt moments that gives audiences a different way of looking into a night at the local pub.”
The Choir of Man at the Lowry Theatre Salford gave audiences a brilliant night out full of laughter, good music and a feeling that the night would never end. This show is really a brilliant piece of work from start to finish, the fact you can go on stage before the start and during the interval to get a drink from the onstage bar, and speak to the cast like its an everyday occurrence really creates a pub like atmosphere and gets you in the mood for the evening.
The cast are an incredible group of men, each one bringing their own special twist to bring their character to life. There was every character you could think of finding in a pub, from barman to hardman, joker to romantic, this show covered them all. Together they created a believable and lively atmosphere that welcomes you into their world, and having ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ as the first song was very clever knowing the pub the story is based in is called The Jungle. It’s a work of genius. The chemistry of the cast is a great strength of the show, you can feel the camaraderie between them and the sense of friendship that spills out into the audience. They really entice you in and get you involved in as much as possible. The humour was a constant and genuinely funny, with quick one-liners, physical comedy and playful interactions, which had audiences laughing through the whole night.
One of the most impressive elements of the night was the music, not just the singing, but the way the performers created the sound. The men on stage didn’t rely solely on traditional instruments, but they used random items including tap shoes, tables and even cups to build the rhythm and atmosphere. It was really well thought out, clever and inventive. The performers executed it brilliantly and it showcased the creativity, adding a playful, almost improvisational feel that made it even more engaging for audiences.
The arrangements were well crafted and the choreography around the high energy songs was both energetic and full of personality. It was clear how much thought ahd gone into blending movement, sound and storytelling to create this masterpiece.
The staging was simple, but incredibly effective. The pub setting didn’t need elaborate scenery or technical features, instead using familiar details and clever movement to create a space that felt authentic and intimate. The simplicity allowed the performers to shine and it made the show feel more personal, and as if the audience had stepped into a real community pub, rather than a theatre.
A stand-out mention would be for the poet, played by Nimi Owoyemi. The poetry monologues that threaded though the show were delivered with such sincerity and emotional weight. It felt raw and real, touching on themes of vulnerability, friendship and the importance of looking out for one another. It grounded the production beautifully, offering moments of reflection amid the chaos, the laughter and the music.
Audience participation added another layer of enjoyment. Whether it was singing along, clapping in rhythm or engaging with the casts’ playful interactions, everyone in the theatre felt involved. Some were lucky enough to be brought up on stage by one of the men to be serenaded or offered a free pint. The sense of shared experience created a joyful, feel-good experience that was impossible not to enjoy.
At the end of the show, audience members were treated to a special performance from some local choirs who sang with the cast in a beautiful rendition of Sia’s Chandelier. It just added even more of a personal touch to an already outstanding performance.
Despite the chaos and confusion of what the story sometimes was about, The Choir of Man delivered a fantastic evening full of heart, humour and exceptional talent. It’s the kind of show that lifts your spirits, makes you laugh and reminds you of the power of togetherness and a good night out with friends.
The Choir of Man plays at the Lowry until 17th October. Tickets are available here.