Welcome to the Jungle! Whilst football fans pack into pubs for the highs and heartbreaks of the World Cup, The Choir of Man offers the happiest local in town, serving up pints of pure joy.
Following its success at the Edinburgh Fringe, West End and tours across the globe, it’s wonderful to see Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay’s feel-good phenomenon arrive at the Grand Opera House York this week.
Swapping Stella for storytelling, this celebration of friendship blends beautiful monologues with inventive pop covers to create two hours of irresistible entertainment.
Nine immensely talented performers throw themselves wholeheartedly into every moment, filling the stage with stunning vocals, slick choreography and infectious energy. Of course, there are also flying crisps, towering stacks of plastic pint glasses and enough beer mats to keep everyone on their toes.
But what really makes The Choir of Man special is the sense of community it creates. Whether you’re pulled up for a dance, serenaded from your seat or lucky enough to receive a complimentary Piña Colada, audiences become part of the evening rather than simply watching it unfold.
And this experience begins long before the first number. Audience members are welcomed onto the stage before curtain up to explore the pub, enjoy a drink and soak up the atmosphere. Before long, strangers are chatting, dancing and building improbable towers of pint cups as though they’ve been regulars there for years.
Although the on-stage supporting band from previous productions is absent in this touring version, the music never loses its impact. The programme offers remarkable variety, from a barbershop-inspired take on Katy Perry’s ‘Teenage Dream’ to the beautifully tear-inducing ‘Dance With My Father’. Then, just when you think you’ve experienced every emotion, ‘Some Nights’ explodes into a full-scale pub celebration with glasses quite literally raised. And that’s still only the head on the pint, there’s truly something here for every musical taste.
While every performer has their chance to shine, a few moments deserve a special mention. Handyman Jack Skelton showcases dazzling tap routines, putting his years of experience in trio The Tap Chaps to excellent use. Barman Joshua Lloyd delivers vocals smoother than the pints he pours, with a hip-grinding rendition of ‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song)’ that proves moving in all the right ways. Meanwhile, Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi anchors the production with warmth and sincerity, guiding us through the evening with heart-felt and
fast-paced monologues.
Heart has always been the secret ingredient behind The Choir of Man. Beneath the lumberjack shirts and braces, a uniform created by costume designer Verity Sadler, every performer is allowed to remain entirely themselves. Despite seeing the show several times, my favourite moment remains: when each cast member shares their name, hometown and something meaningful about their life. It’s wonderfully simple, quietly vulnerable and reminds us that behind every larger-than-life character is a real person with their own story.
What began life as a one-act West End wonder has been expanded for this tour into two hours, allowing space for a particularly memorable addition. At York’s performance, members of Some Voices York, Stamford Bridge Community Choir and Sing Space joined the company for an encore unlike any other.
Their tender reprise of ‘Chandelier’ filled the auditorium with soulful harmonies, whilst also shining a spotlight on the incredible work these local choirs do within their communities. It was a fitting celebration before the cast gathered for the beautifully reflective finale ‘The Parting Glass’, a welcome moment of stillness before everyone headed back out into the night.
The beauty of The Choir of Man lies in its friendships. The camaraderie between the cast feels completely genuine, making every joke land harder and every emotional beat resonate more deeply. The chaos and charisma are served by the bucketload, but it’s the generosity, connection and unmistakable humanity underneath that keep audiences coming back for another round.
Last orders in York are on Saturday – so grab a ticket, pull up a stool and raise a glass to one of the most uplifting nights you’ll spend at the theatre.
The Choir of Man is at the Grand Opera House York until Saturday 4 July. Tickets start from £15.60 and are available here.
