Review: The Choir of Man. Royal and Derngate. Northampton
Forget your local Wetherspoons – I bet you’ve never been to a pub with choreography!
The West End production The Choir of Man is touring the UK. Directed by Nic Doodson, this jukebox musical follows nine men at a pub called The Jungle, where they sing and share stories, connecting through friendship and emotional vulnerability. Before the show or during the interval, you can even enter the pub and treat yourself to a beer, because apparently watching nine men sing wasn’t enough.
In Act One, we are introduced to all nine men, each with a different story and a different place of origin. Anyone who has read my reviews before knows that I love a bit of audience interaction, and boy, does this act have plenty of it. Members of the crowd are brought up on stage, occasionally to be romanced by a singing man. Suddenly, sitting near the aisle feels like a very risky decision. This act also contains so many funny moments, from sexy dancing to the Piña Colada song, to singing whilst relieving oneself in the men’s bathroom.
In Act Two, the characters begin to break the fourth wall, speaking directly to you as actors. One moment that stands out to me is when the choirs of Northampton, who were invited to the performance, are asked to rise and sing Sia’s Chandelier. Seeing all these amazing people brought together as one community, connected by music, is incredibly moving and powerful. For a show that spends so much of Act One making you laugh, this moment is unexpectedly emotional.
Lighting designer Richard Dinnen and scenic designer Oli Townsend really bring the stage to life through its fantastical colours, flashing lights and grand bar set piece. The combination creates an immersive atmosphere that makes you feel as though you have genuinely stepped into The Jungle for the evening.
Throughout the night, all nine cast members get their moment in the spotlight. For instance, Jack Skelton, who plays the Handyman, showcases his impressive tap-dancing skills, something I think not many drunk people can pull off in a pub. Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi, who plays the Poet, guides the audience on the journey with so much energy and enthusiasm. And Joshua Lloyd, who plays the Barman, has an outstanding voice that could probably be heard from outside the pub.
When these men sing together as a group, I almost feel like I am watching the Treblemakers from Pitch Perfect in real life. Their harmonisation is spot on, which I imagine took many rehearsal hours. Not only that, but the dance choreography is insane. There’s barely a moment when someone isn’t dancing, tapping or launching themselves across the stage. For this, I must credit the movement director Freddie Huddleston.
So, if you fancy a pub night with a difference, The Jungle is calling. The Choir of Man is on the road until 14th February 2027, so don’t miss out on your chance to get tickets! You can find out more on the Choir of Man website.
