⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Four Stars)

Currently celebrating four years in the West End, The Choir of Man (directed by Nic Doodson and created by Doodson and Andrew Kay) remains one of London’s most heartfelt and feel-good nights out at the theatre. Having begun life at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017, the show has grown from a word-of-mouth hit into a West End staple, and with a major UK tour set for 2026 following the conclusion of its run at the Arts Theatre, it shows no signs of slowing down.

From the moment you arrive, it’s clear that this isn’t your typical theatre experience. Before the performance even begins, audience members are invited up on stage to visit The Jungle - the show’s lovingly recreated pub setting - where you can buy a beer, take a selfie, and mingle with the cast. This immediately sets the tone for what is to follow: a lively, participatory evening where you’re encouraged to sing along, film, and join in the fun. Some members of the audience may even find themselves joining the cast on stage throughout the show to be serenaded or take part in other antics.

Oli Townsend and Verity Sadler’s set design transforms the Arts Theatre into a warm, welcoming pub. The stained-glass window backdrop behind the bar gives the stage a splash of colour (and makes an ideal photo opportunity for pre-show selfies!) while every inch of the set contributes to the illusion that you’ve stumbled into your local pub rather than a West End theatre.

Though The Choir of Man doesn’t have much of a plot to speak of, the show is guided by “The Poet” (Paul McArthur), who introduces us to a cast of archetypal pub regulars such as “Hardman” (Levi Tyrell Johnson), “Romantic” (Jason Brock), and “Joker” (Benji Lord). Over the course of the 90 minutes show, the ensemble cast performs a playlist of crowd-pleasing hits, from Escape (The Piña Colada Song) and Teenage Dream, to a stunning acappella version of Chandelier. Jack Blume’s arrangements breathe new life into familiar songs, while the cast’s harmonies, energy, and enthusiasm are consistently outstanding. I can't imagine even the most reluctant audience member being able to resist joining in during the call and response in 500 Miles!

Freddie Huddleston’s choreography feels natural and unforced, more like a group of friends spontaneously dancing together than polished and choreographed routines, which perfectly suits the show’s energy. Each of the cast members’ choreography suits the archetype they’re playing, with Aled Pennock’s delightfully awkward moves as “Bore” and Ben Goffe’s show-stopping tap break as “Handyman” being particular highlights.

Amid all the laughter and singalongs, The Choir of Man finds time to explore more emotional themes. The performers’ real-life names and stories are woven into the show, creating a genuine sense of authenticity. A series of moving monologues, one for each cast member, written by Ben Norris and delivered beautifully by McArthur as “Poet”, explores what home means for each of them and throughout the show we see the characters encouraging each other to share their feelings, such as grief and heartbreak, with each other rather than bottling these emotions up. Beneath the pint glasses and banter, The Choir of Man is a powerful celebration of non-toxic masculinity, and a reminder that strength can mean openness and vulnerability.

It’s also great to see the production’s ongoing support for the mental health and suicide prevention charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably). During the curtain call, we were reminded of the statistic that 125 people in the UK take their own lives each week, 75% of them men, making this partnership deeply meaningful and entirely in tune with the show’s message of connection and care.

While the show doesn’t follow much of a plot or have the kind of character development you might usually expect, The Choir of Man remains a remarkably uplifting piece of theatre. It’s less about spectacle and more about spirit: a celebration of friendship, music, and belonging that leaves you walking out humming, and perhaps planning your next trip to the pub.

The Choir of Man runs at the Arts Theatre until 4th January 2026 before embarking on a UK tour from March 2026.

Tickets Available Here