The Choir of Man | Arts Theatre

If The Choir of Man could be described in one phrase it would be a sense of home. Almost forgetting you’re in a theatre, audiences are transported into their local pubs, for good times and fan favourite songs. 

The premise of the show is simple, nine men in a pub called The Jungle telling their stories, ranging from heartbreak to joys, blended seamlessly with songs from Queen, Adele, Guns and Roses and many more. With a slight hint of audience participation and the occasional free beer, it’s a production unlike any other on the West End. 

The Choir of Man started out in 2017 as a small show being put on for Edinburgh Fringe and was created by Andrew Kay and Nic Doodson. Since then, it has gone all over the world and currently takes up its home at the Arts Theatre. 

No other show has the unique charm that The Choir of Man exhibits. Cast members use their real names and life stories and give the audience a chance to really get to know the people they’re watching. There’s a quaint charm to finding out what home means to each person on the stage. 

Audience members are given the opportunity to step onto the stage of the Arts Theatre before the performance, grab a beer and hang around with friends and cast alike. There’s also moments during the show where performers can bring members of the audience to the stage for small segments, a fun experience but this is also able to be avoided if you sit further into the rows. 

Oli Townsend is the brilliant mind behind how The Jungle looks, with bright colours splashed everywhere on the wallpaper covered in tropical leaves, and stained glass window behind the onstage bar. Every small detail makes The Jungle feel not only a frequented place, but somewhere that is well loved. 

As previously mentioned the cast are made up of nine, with each character having a nickname per se that goes along with their character. Poet (Paul McArthur), Romantic (Jason Brock), Hardman (Levi Tyrell Johnson), Maestro (Alex Mallalieu), Handyman (Ben Goffe), Barman (Oliver Jacobson), Beast (Cal T King), Joker (Benji Lord) and Bore (Aled Pennock). Each character feels fleshed out and has their own time to shine, each character feeling as loveable as the last. Numerous instruments are played by cast members too, ranging from the piano and guitars to trumpets and even a melodica, if you look hard enough. 

Stand out moments include Under the Bridge, originally by Red Hot Chili Peppers. It leads to a hilarious moment between Lord, Brock and Johnson. Speaking of Johnson, he leads the song You’re the Voice, which is a wonderfully lead ensemble number with some insane vocals. It’s difficult picking top moments in a show with so many standouts.

Leading our group of regulars is Paul McArthur as the Poet, doing most of the interaction, he introduces everyone and giving the audience poetic monologues, written by Ben Norris, giving the audience something to contemplate. The poet shines a light onto each character, what they’re going through and how The Jungle brings everyone together. McArthur delivers a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Dance With My Father, originally sung by Luther Vandross, a slower moment to the show but no less wonderful, it’s a scene that stills the audience to silence, showcasing McArthur’s wonderful voice. 

Audience favourite of the night, Ben Goffe, plays the Handyman, always ready to help anyone with their problems, but not great at taking care of his own. Although he doesn’t lead a song vocally, he leads 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover by Paul Simon. McArthur takes on the vocals where Goffe captivates the audience with his tap dancing. It’s a song which heavily relies on the rhythm of Goffe’s tapping and he has an excellent moment to shine tapping across tables and bars. 

The pair who got the most laughs by far were Benji Lord and Oliver Jacobson as The Joker and The Barman respectfully. Jacobson has the room in stitches with songs like Escape (The Piña Colada Song)’ and Somebody to Love, singing about his characters messy yet comedic love life. On the other hand, Lord steals the show with the aforementioned Under the Bridge, and alongside the laughs, Lord displays stellar vocals every chance he gets. 

As sad as it is to see this wonderful show leaving the West End after four successful years, The Choir of Man will be embarking on an extraordinarily extensive tour of the UK in 2026, with plenty of venues and plenty of time to grab your pals and a drink at The Jungle.

The Choir of Man plays at The Arts Theatre until last orders on 04th January 2026.

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★★★★★ (5*)

Gifted tickets in return for an honest review | Photography by Mark Douet