We all love a night down the pub, right? And this pub boasts a bar full of beer-lovers who can shake a leg, belt out a ballad and tinkle the ivories. What more could you ask for...
The Choir of Men
Mark Senior
How to describe The Choir of Man? Well, it is set in a pub. Nine blokey blokes sing and dance and make music and tap and leap about and joke and drink. There is no plot to speak of, but performers address the theatre in-between routines in the form of monologues. It is high on audience interaction (you may get taken on stage). And it got an ecstatic standing ovation from a clearly super-jubilant and packed house.
If ever you needed an excuse to get to the play early, this is it. The pub set on stage actually serves real beer. A chunk of theatregoers were already up onstage boozing and chatting even before the performers emerged from the wings. Same at the intermission. During the show, pints were circulating from the stage to the stalls, even bags of crisps got tossed into the crowds.
So, it is more concert than a musical. At times, a singalong. Almost cosplaying karaoke. Well, whatever we call it, the production was a tremendous success. The nine actors were superb. While they looked like any regular Joe drinking down the boozer, their singing, dancing, and rapport with the crowds was dazzling. Their dance moves generated enough energy to power the city of Nottingham. And for a narrative device, the Poet (played with an engaging sincerity by Oluwalonimi Owoyemi) links it all together with those aforementioned mono and duologues.
And let's not forget the scene in the men’s loos
And let’s not forget the scene in the men’s loos. Outrageously funny!
While light on story, there are some serious themes. In particular, this was a homage to the importance of the British pub to the community, and to the friendships that can flower therein. We can all identify with that message.
This being opening night, there was a special extra treat. A large number of local choirs were in the seats. At the end, they were invited to sing with the performers in an ‘a cappella’ rendition of Sia’s Chandelier. The resulting sound bath brought tears to our eyes. Very moving.
All in all, a fantastic night out, that will cheer you up and send you onto the streets with a swing in your hips and rhythm to your step.
The Choir of Men plays at the Theatre Royal from Tuesday 9 June until Saturday 13 June 2026.
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