The ‘Jungle’ Choir of Man is on its UK tour, and it started with a blast, setting Wimbledon theatre alight with enthusiasm, superb vocal arrangement and energy. This show born out of the Edinburgh fringe made its home at the Arts Theatre London. Now it’s coming to Towns across the country. Set in a pub, audience members are welcomed to the stage for pre-show drinks from the bar and here the message is clear, this is all about ‘community’. Centered around a group of nine men each with their own characteristics and inner conflicts, they take you on an immersive journey of their lives through song. Narrated beautifully by the character ‘Poet’ Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi, he introduces the characters, and very occasionally it was difficult to hear him, possibly due to the sound at the beginning being slightly unbalanced. The narration could be slowed down a little, however singing, dancing and talking is going to have its challenges and this is to be expected. Nimi from the outset brought the love, the true meaning of what community is all about and this feeling vibrated right across the theatre. I have never seen it at this level before.
The story flowed well, there was a sense of unpredictability but at the same time was perfectly orchestrated. Some well-known classic songs were featured, creatively aligned with the storyline, Barman Joshua LLoyd’s Somebody to love, Beast Rob Godfrey’s Teenage Dream, and Poet’s Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover; the tap dance by Handyman Jack Skelton hit the emotional nerve. Plus, an array of genres to suit audiences. This choir of men blend harmonies with true grit and meaning tugging at the heart strings whilst serving male mannerisms that provided some real laugh out loud moments.
The staging ‘the bar’ superbly realistic and functional with real beer served to a waiting audience, cocktails were made, and this was more of an experience than a musical, unique, loving and inclusive. The creation by Oli Townsend and Verity Sadler. The cast brought the staging to life, and the staging provided a mutually inclusive vision, quite inspirational. The lightning supported and captured Feddie Huddleston’s choreography seamlessly.
Men strutting around a stage acting without inhibition and yet showing humble vulnerability, offers a side of humility not often seen in theatre. Which gives The Choir of Man its meaningful sentiment. The underlying message here is men’s welfare and the importance of a community who will listen, where best than their local pub. With reference to the demise of pubs across the country, the serious reality here is the loss of support, a place to meet and talk. The show is supporting CALM the Campaign Against Living Miserably a suicide prevention society. Recognising men’s life struggles is often left undiscussed. Highlighting this through a stage show, a choir, a collective, raises the awareness for which the creators and producers, Kay and Doodson needs to be applauded for. The brilliance was in the piecing together these themes.
Be prepared for audience participation and all-round fun. There was an extra addition to this show not seen before that possibly could be continued on their tour, the bringing together of two choirs The Buskerteer’s and The West End Musical Choir who accompanied the cast in an acapella version of the song Chandelier. A delight for the audience, creating a communal sense of respect and admiration for all choirs across the UK who sing and raise money for charities. What a privilege to experience.
When the actor narrator and musical orchestrator hit the mark, it should be recognised as a creative success.
Creators & Producers Nic Doodson & Andrew Kay
Directed by Nic Doodson
Musical Supervisor Vocal Arranger & Orchestrator Jack Blume
This show commences at 7.30 pm – 21.30 approximately 90 minutes with an interactive Interval.
On Tour- Run at Wimbledon Saturday 14th – Saturday 21st March 2026
Booking link: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-choir-of-man/new-wimbledon-theatre/
Reviewer: Michelle Knight
Reviewed: 17th March 2026
North West End UK Rating: