Dragon Review: The Choir of Man – Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

Published on: 23 Sep, 2026
Updated on: 23 Sep, 2026

There’s a fully functional bar…

By Ferenc Hepp

This is not your usual musical with a storyline, in fact, we start the evening with a pint on the stage served from a fully functional bar at the back of the set.

The name of this pub is The Jungle, and Welcome to the Jungle is also the opening number, setting the scene and the party atmosphere from the offset.

This is a place where everyone is welcome, and The Poet (Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi) introduces us to everyone who have come together to share their stories and celebrate the pub which is a special place for so many people; their “front room” away from home.

A full house at the Yvonne Arnaud were fortunate to experience the result on Tuesday night.”

The characters have the same first names as the actors portraying them. Jack (Skelton) the handyman who helps people, Levi (Tyrell Johnson) the hard man, Sam (Walter) the restless romantic, Gustav (Melbardis) the classical pianist, Rob (Godfrey) the cuddly beast, Ben (Mabberley) the king of banter, and Joshua (Lloyd) the barman.

The Jungle brings them all together and there is some moving narration (written by Ben Norris) which explains where they all come from and their backgrounds. This brings a certain reality and familiarity, which resonates throughout and helps us to empathise.

The evening is filled with songs of various styles, featuring a high-energy mix of pop, classic rock, folk, acoustic, and Broadway hits arranged in rich multi-part harmonies, a cappella, and energetic pub-style sing-alongs. The cast are on stage throughout and give 100 per cent commitment, with their acting, singing, playing musical instruments and even some tap dancing.

The evening is filled with songs of various styles…

There is plenty of interaction between the players and the audience, with some ending up joining the cast on stage. Lloyd and Godfrey especially have some great rapport with the
chosen “victims”.

There are numerous highlights from this multi-talented cast, including a scene by the urinals, a very special version of 500 miles (Melbardis and company), a rendition of Dance with My Father by Nimi which tugs on your heartstrings, and Livin’ on a Prayer which we are all encouraged to join in.

Just before the end we get a repeat rendition of Chandelier, accompanied by members of The Choir Effect and A Touch of Musicality, local choirs, invited especially by the producers to add something even more special to an already joyful evening.

As an audience, we didn’t just watch and listen, we came together, celebrated and reminisced, we sung our heart out, we cheered, we cried…”

Kay describes The Choir of Man as a “…group of ordinary blokes who meet up to sing a few songs over a drink or two. It’s not just about the drinking, and it’s not just about the singing.

“It’s about being together. Laughing, crying, singing, shouting, talking… whatever it is, it’s about the joy of being in the same place at the same time as the people you love.”

Some great plans are hatched over a pint in a pub. Luckily, Andrew Kay and Nic Doodson were having a drink in 2016, and the idea for The Choir of Man was born. A year later, it was first presented at the Edinburgh Fringe, followed by performances in the West End and around the world.

A full house at the Yvonne Arnaud were fortunate to experience the result on Tuesday night. The production has everything, from the exceptionally funny to the relatably poignant.

As an audience, we didn’t just watch and listen, we came together, celebrated and reminisced, we sung our heart out, we cheered, we cried, we laughed out loud, we danced, we had a drink and had a theatrical experience that was very special and will live in our memories for a long time to come thanks to this fabulous ensemble.

The Choir of Man, directed by Doodson, runs until Saturday September 26 and tickets are available via www.yvonne-arnaud.co.uk or 01483 440000.