The Choir of Man – Richmond Theatre

From the moment you enter the auditorium, The Choir of Man transports you to the world’s most joyous pub lock-in. For two glorious hours, the stench of real-world toxic masculinity and male bravado is replaced by the clinking of pint glasses and the warm embrace of an inclusive, fun-filled tavern where everyone is welcome and encouraged to open their hearts. Originally conceived by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay to celebrate human connection, the show loudly and proudly places men’s mental health centre stage, with the charity CALM serving as the show’s current charity partner.

Here, the only male threat you’ll find is that posed by the triple threat of nine incredibly talented singers, musicians and dancers performing together for the sheer joy of the shared experience. From its inception at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017, through a successful West End run and international tours, The Choir of Man now takes to the road to spread its positive vibes and musical high notes across the UK and Ireland.

The doors to ‘The Jungle’ pub, a classic bar-stage setting by Oli Townsend, with real beer on sale to thirsty punters, are wide open and encourage audience members to come up on stage before the show and during the interval to interact with the cast. There is no fourth wall here, as the cast also hand out beers in the stalls, hurtle accompanying beer mats and bags of crisps into the crowd from the stage, and invite some lucky audience members up for individual serenades.

Featuring original takes on songs by artists ranging from Sia to Queen and Adele to Eagle-Eye Cherry, musical supervisor, vocal arranger and orchestrator Jack Blume ensures that no song’s orchestration is quite as you might expect. Instead, they are delivered as though you are both discovering them for the first time and reliving a cherished memory. From a slowed-down a cappella version of ‘Chandelier’ to a barnstorming take on ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’, the pure, unadulterated joy shared between the performers and the audience is palpable.

Standout solo moments include Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi’s beautiful solo performance of Luther Vandross’s ‘Dance With My Father’.As well asJared Leathwood stepping into the role of the ‘Romantic’ and performing a heart-wrenching rendition of Adele’s ‘Hello’, while the rest of the cast provide backing vocals and simulate the choreography of football fans watching the latest drama unfold in an unseen match on the pub TV.

Director Nic Doodson ensures his choir makes full use of the bar setting, from set-pieces around the piano to the cast marching atop the bar with such infectious energy that you want to join them, conga-style. Movement director and choreographer Freddie Huddleston has designed a wealth of memorable, high-energy dance and movement numbers that showcase the cast at their best, both as individuals and as an ensemble. Whether accompanying songs with the sound of tap dancing, a particular highlight being the work of ‘Handyman’ Jack Skelton or throwing themselves into the full-throttle energy of ‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song)’, this cast works its socks off. Even a brief pit stop at the urinals is given a hilarious twist in one of the show’s standout comic moments, of which there are many throughout the performance.

In amongst the music is the narrator, called the ‘Poet’, here played by Owoyemi, who arguably has the most difficult task. Each night, as well as delivering commentary on the decline of pubs and their importance as spaces for community connection and mental wellbeing, he must adapt his rhyming monologues to introduce the real-life stories behind the revolving cast’s pub personas, such as the ‘Joker’ and the ‘Romantic’. Written by Ben Norris, these monologues add a layer of authenticity that elevates the cast’s natural camaraderie to another level.

One extra touch that is new to this tour is the invitation extended to local choirs in each location. At the end of the performance, more than 150 individuals from three different community choirs rose to their feet to deliver yet another a cappella reprise of ‘Chandelier’. This was the icing on the cake as The Choir of Man has now gone full circle. Long may this band of merry men continue their march across the country spreading their high energy positive vibes and sense of community as a reminder to us all that communicating, either through speech or song can offer hope when times are tough. Cheers!

The show continues at the Richmond Theatre until Saturday 29^th August and then continues its tour throughout the UK and Ireland. Details can be found here The Choir of Man | UKIE Tour | Official UKIE Tour Tickets

Reviewer: Phil Meikle

Reviewed: 25^th August 2026

North West End UK Rating: