The Choir of Man brings two hours of joy to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre - review

Following a hugely successful West End run, Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay’s hit musical, The Choir of Man, bounces its way onto the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre stage this week, with its very own brand of humour, song and dance.

Conceived almost a decade ago, the show premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival before finally making its way to the bright lights of London in 2021. Since then, a nine-strong, all-male cast, as the title would suggest, has been uplifting audiences to the max, and now it’s our turn.

Set in a British/Irish pub called The Jungle, the concept on the surface appears very simple. The guys tell their individual stories through song and dance while the audience members join in. But dig a little deeper, listen to the script and the song lyrics, and you will see this show is so much more. It’s about community, mental health, coming together no matter who you are, helping each other and, ultimately, love for your fellow human beings.

Although I guess you can use the term “jukebox musical”, The Choir of Man is unlike any other. For a start, there is a working bar on stage; yes, Oli Townsend and Verity Sadler’s set is so completely authentic you can feel the sticky floor and smell stale ale, and if you are one of the lucky ones, you might even be invited on to the stage to join the cast for a beer or two.

Don’t expect to sit comfortably and politely in your seat. From the opening number, everyone was singing, clapping and dancing along. Perhaps more of a concert than a musical, it’s impossible to resist taking part.

Although the cast are clearly accomplished actor-singer-musicians, there is an air of improvisation to the piece. The way in which the guys interact with each other creates such a natural atmosphere, to the point where you forget this is a rehearsed performance and feel as if you are part of a crowd in a pub watching reality unfold.

Interestingly, the characters are based on the real performers, retaining their own names, and we hear where they are from, what their memories of home are and what they want from life.

Monologue writer Ben Norris has created the most beautifully written, moving and thought-provoking narrative, expertly delivered by The Poet, Oluwalonimi Owoyemi, with passion and emotion and, when appropriate, excellent comedic delivery, which links seamlessly with the songs.

The music creates moments of pure elation, contrasting with moments when you could hear a pin drop. Last night, we were treated to a host of popular tunes, including Adele’s Hello, I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), Escape (The Piña Colada Song), Chandelier and Teenage Dream, sung by Rob Godfrey to a lovely lady from the audience whom he brought up on to the stage.

Then Aaron Pottenger, who hails from NYC, delivered a stunning rendition of The Impossible Dream with his rich baritone voice, and when Oluwalonimi Owoyemi took lead vocals on Dance with My Father Again, the sentiment in the theatre was tangible.

The vocal talents of the whole cast are exceptional, but never more so than when singing together a cappella, when the harmonisation was outstanding.

Nic Doodson’s direction is sharp and brisk, while choreographer Freddie Huddlestone’s movement direction is slick, yet natural and unpretentious, with very clever use of props too, but I won’t reveal too much.

A very special mention must go to Jack Skelton, whose outstanding tap solo was, for me, the highlight of the whole show. To be able to dance like that is a true gift.

At every venue on the tour, the company enlists a local choir to join them, and this privilege went to 100 members of the Got 2 Sing choir from Stourbridge, who sang a reprise of Chandelier with the cast from their seats in the stalls. What a lovely experience.

In conclusion, this is an uplifting, funny, emotional, inspirational, incredible show and simply two hours of sheer joy. I cannot imagine why I haven’t been to see it before!

So, “Come One, Come All” to the Wolverhampton Grand Theatre this week. The Choir of Man is unmissable!

For tickets, visit grandtheatre.co.uk or call 01902 429212.