You don’t usually expect to step into a theatre and find audience members on stage, pint in hand, joining in the action — but here, that’s exactly the point. Welcome to The Jungle, a pub where everyone’s invited, the drinks flow freely, and the music is nothing short of sensational.
If you’re expecting your typical night at the theatre, then you’ll be somewhat surprised and possibly disappointed – there are no deeply developed characters, awe-inspiring dance numbers or sweeping, emotionally driven plot arcs to carry you from curtain up to finale. Instead, Choir of Man trades convention for camaraderie, offering a stripped-back, high-energy celebration of music and the simple joy of a pint shared among friends.
Choir Of Man feels like a curious mash-up of ‘Pitch Perfect’, a music revue and a live theatre performance, blending a cappella energy with pub-style storytelling in a way that’s as unusual as it is entertaining. The audience is welcomed in to meet the lads — not so much fictional characters as the performers themselves — each loosely framed by a persona like the Joker, the Bore, the Hard Man, the Romantic and the Poet, who serves as a kind of narrator for the evening.
Each had their moment to shine, singing songs such as Sia’s Chandelier, Adele’s Hello, Queen’s Somebody to Love and Avicii’s Wake Me Up. There’s a real diversity of music included with something for everyone to enjoy, all creatively crafted into new, fun arrangements.
It’s impossible to single out one cast member without mentioning them all — every performer on stage is immensely musically talented, whether switching between instruments, delivering pinpoint harmonies, or even throwing in a bit of tap dancing. Their collective skill alone is worth five stars.
A personal highlight was the urinal scene, where the act of peeing was comically underscored by the Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Under the Bridge, drawing big laughs from the audience with its perfectly timed, naturally funny moments.
The show does heavily rely on audience participation – and dare I say that if the audience are flat, the show itself may suffer – however, there is much to be said about the talent upon that stage, which is enough to wow and entertain should the audience not be up for participating. It must be said, if you’re particularly stage shy, maybe avoid sitting on the aisle or front stalls…
Cast members are constantly moving through the audience — chatting, dancing, and even offering the occasional free pint or packet of crisps. It all adds to the sense that you’re not just watching, but right there in the pub with them, sharing in their laddish antics — and while that energy could feel exclusive, it never does; instead, you feel warmly welcomed, even a little privileged to be part of their night out.
Choir of Man feels unmistakably British — a lively blend of pub culture and quick-fire banter, all woven together into a show that’s both effortlessly funny and musically superb. It does make me wonder – as it heads across the world, from its launch at The Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017, will it resonate with international audiences in quite the same way?
This tour feels particularly poignant given the current headlines surrounding the UK’s struggling pubs and hospitality sector, which has yet to fully recover from the impact of COVID-19 and continues to be hit by rising costs. With around 500 pubs expected to close in 2026 and more than 2,000 already shutting their doors since 2020, the show’s celebration of pub culture feels both joyful and bittersweet. This is something the show takes in its stride, campaigning for this atmosphere that means so much to its communities, particularly those of men, who see the pub as a place to unwind, share their stories, and find a sense of belonging that can be harder to express elsewhere.
The show ended with a lovely performance from 5 local choirs from Greater Manchester and surrounding areas. Each stop on the tour is highlighting new groups that are bringing people together to sing.
Overall Choir of Man isn’t for your typical theatregoers, it’s for anyone looking for a lively, feel-good night out that blends music, humour and pub culture into something far more informal and immersive than traditional theatre.
Pints, banter and damn good music – what more could you want?
You can catch Choir of Man at the Opera House Manchester until Saturday 9th May, and if you miss it, there’s another chance coming up soon — it’s just been announced that the show will return to Greater Manchester for a run at The Lowry in Salford this October, so keep an eye out for tickets going on sale.
Reviewer: Alison Baines
Reviewed: 5th May 2026
North West End UK Rating: