Joyful night of entertainment by talented performers
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
The Choir of Man, Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, directed by Nic Doodson. Direct from the West End, the Olivier Award-Nominated worldwide smash hit – now on its first ever UK tour. At the Belgrade Theatre from 7 – 11 April.
Review by Margaret Mather.
Set in a fictional pub called The Jungle, this show has it all. It tells the story of the great British pub institution which is sadly declining in the UK. It shows how much they are needed for all sorts of reasons. A place for people to meet to celebrate life’s events, the arrival of a child, marriage and honouring the passing of loved ones. A place where people can mix with others, forge friendships and feel less alone.
From the pints of beer handed out to the audience, to packets of crisps being thrown into the crowd near the end of the show, this was 90 minutes of pure escapism. From the minute you enter the theatre you are invited on to the stage which is set out as a working pub. You can chat to the cast, have a beer and wander around. Audience participation runs through the show and highlights the need for the community aspect of the pub.
There is no story as such, but the monologues and songs performed by talented singers and dancers tell its own tale. Covers like I'm Gonna Be (500 miles) by the Proclaimers, Queen’s Somebody to Love and Guns N’ Roses, Welcome to the Jungle.
The cast work well together and the camaraderie is clear for all to see. Joshua Lloyd, Ben Mabberley, Rob Godfrey, Gustav Melbardis, Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi, Aaron Pottenger, Jack Skelton, Levi Tyrell Johnson and Sam Walter all performed with energy, precision and versatility. There was singing, tap dancing, monologues, poetry, and lots of humour. I don’t think I have heard an audience laugh so much. Everything about this show is uplifting and not to be missed.
For tickets call 02476 553055 or visit: https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/the-choir-of-man/
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