Wow! What an exhibition of triple /quad threat talent was took over the entire building at Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield last night. I am still stunned by what I saw. The Choir of Man created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay and under Doodson’s direction is one of the most enduring pieces of cultural enhancing theatre I have witnessed. With Musical Supervision, vocal arrangement and orchestration by Jack Blume, monologues written by Ben Norris and Freddie Huddleston in directive charge of movement and choreography, this production only gives you time to have a quick gulp of your beer in between diverse spectacle after spectacle. Energy in every form possible.
Oli Townsend’s scenic design takes us to ‘The Jungle’, the local British pub, much in decline and much needed. Where men can talk and share, cry and laugh and be themselves … together – no pressure and no judgement. The set is elaborate with its bar and stained glass windows, optics, tables and chairs and the piano in the corner, this is no trendy wine bar this is a working class haven of masculinity. This is the Jungle… the local. Singing bonds them, much like other hobbies, hence the title… The Choir of Man.
The creators found what they were looking for and cast a group of men, who were normal blokes, blokes that looked like they could prop up a bar and love a drink with their mates. But… these ‘normal’ blokes had to be able to sing harmoniously, play an instrument and move, even tap dance… and they found this perfect cast. Not one tenuous link, all different, all amazingly talented and all very, very real. This very interactive show invites the audience onstage for a drink before, after and during the production and free beer is even given out to the audience from the wandering cast members.
Rob Godfrey as Beast who on guitar plays the whole score and woos one lucky lady from the audience. Gustav MelBardis as Maestro who can make a piano talk, and another lady in the audience receives an invite to witness this close up. Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owayemi as Poet whose wonderfully delivered narrative monologues bring joy, laughter and emotional diversity. Aaron Pottenger as Bore who gives Musical Theatre standards the full works. Sheffield born Jack Skelton as Handyman can tap dance you into disbelief with his speed. Levi Tyrell Johnson as Hardman is exceptional in all he does. Sam Walter as Romantic hits the falsetto notes with ease. Niall Woodson (usual swing) as Barman controls and convinces in equal measure. Ben Mabberley as Joker completes the nine strong collective who together produce a wall of complex harmonic sound. Their singing is matched by their musicianship, with diverse musical instruments and genres galore, it is loud and raucous, it is pure and clean and it is more than all of these… it is from the heart. The choreography is oil-like in its slickness and the energy the nine men ooze is palpable and infectious. The audience are joining in and everyone in the theatre are having a night out at the Jungle. Nothing can highlight this more than Jack Blume, Musical Director coming onto stage and inviting two local choirs to stand and join with the cast in a reprise of the final number as he conducts. The Sheffield Lyceum Theatre were on their feet and in raptures at this and I am told this is done at every theatre they perform at.
With reflective and nostalgic tones of the decline of British traditions (the local), that are sorely missed and much needed in an era that male mental health is on the increase, the Choir of Man highlights the lure of the local and the capsule of camaraderie in a changing and isolating world. I can not praise enough the joy I felt witnessing this production, joy at the cast, joy at the consumed audience and joy at the compassionate cauldron of characters and collaborations. First Class in every way – a celebratory choir of confirmation!
This exceptional production is at the Sheffield Lyceum Theatre until Saturday 20th June 2026 and then continues to tour the UK. Do not miss it – it is life affirming and without doubt the most heart-warming thing I have witnessed in a long, long time.
Reviewer: Tracey Bell
Reviewed: 16th June 2026
North West End UK Rating:
Sinatra The Musical comes to the West End bringing the big band sound and gritty…
"We live in our own timeline and are judged by the next" What happens when…
Camouflaged behind rip-roaring humour is a tale of deceit and infidelity. Though the lies look…
Britain has had two civil wars, and the second was the titanic battle that ran…
Manchester does it again! A city that gives birth to so many musicals that go…
Yet another musical version of a successful film from back in the day and though…