Review by Jules Annan.
The Choir of Man at the Everyman Theatre, Cheltenham is an absolute barnstormer — packed with great songs, huge energy, impressive choreography, audience participation and some wonderfully poignant poetry.
Part gig, part theatre, part pub night out, it’s a joyous celebration of friendship, community and male bonding.
And, refreshingly, it also tackles something many men are notoriously rubbish at: actually talking about how we feel and what’s going on in our lives!
At its heart is the simple idea of the pub as a place where people come together, share a drink, have a laugh and, sometimes, have those conversations that really matter.
With pubs closing at an alarming rate, the show also highlights the rather sad truth that we’re losing some of those informal spaces where men — and women — can meet, connect and simply talk.
But don’t be fooled into thinking this is all serious social commentary. The Choir of Man is enormous fun. Nine incredibly talented performers sing, dance, play instruments and generally throw themselves into the evening with infectious enthusiasm.
The soundtrack is packed with cracking songs, the choreography is energetic, the tap dancing is superb, and the audience participation makes you feel less like you’re watching a show and more like you’ve stumbled into the best pub gig in town.
It’s funny, uplifting, occasionally touching and thoroughly entertaining — with a few moments that will have you grinning from ear to ear.
A very well-deserved ★★★★★ five stars from me.