Having started life at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017, The Choir of Man enjoyed a four year run on the West End before embarking on its first UK tour in 2026. Venturing to the North for the first time, this brilliant piece of theatre brings its blend of music, spoken word and real emotion to the Sunderland Empire.
As a huge musicals fan, it is pretty rare that I go into a show completely blind, but I admit, I knew very little about the show before I saw it. Now, The Choir of Man may come billed as a jukebox musical, but really, it sits more between a great gig, an insightful play and a soul-baring night out with friends. Rather than a specific storyline, the show invites you into The Jungle pub - and yes, you can even jump on stage before the show and during the interval to enjoy the pub for yourself.
Whilst in the pub, you meet the characters: Barman, Beast, Joker, Poet, Maestro, Bore, Handyman, Hard man and of course, Romantic - representing the types of man you might meet in any pub. Rather than tell the stories of fictionalised men, the show presents the audience with familiar archetypes, allowing them to imagine who would play the role of joker or maestro in their own local.
In turn, it is not the stories of the fictionalised characters that are told, but those of the actors themselves, beautifully explored through spoken word by Oluwalonimi Owoyemi (Poet). In the telling of their own stories, the distance between the performers and audience shrinks, creating an emotional connection that leaves you hanging on every syllable. It is a beautiful representation of men exploring and sharing their own truths, insecurities and emotions, and in a world where toxic masculinity feels rife, it makes a more than refreshing change.
The emotional journey is, of course, interspersed with absolutely brilliant music. The audience are actively encouraged to join in with the songs as they perform hit after hit, from huge rock numbers like Welcome To The Jungle, to brilliant mash-ups like Save Tonight/Wake Me Up to stripped back acappella numbers like Chandelier. The music is exceptional, with tight harmonies and phenomenal musicianship, as the actor-musicians show that they can sing, dance and play.
Whilst it is undeniably emotional with its beautiful portrayal of male vulnerability and heartbreaking songs like Dance With My Father, it isn’t all tears and deep thoughts. There is so much joy and laughter, and the men on stage are clearly having such a great time that you are drawn into the fun of it all. It really does feel like a night out with friends - well, if your friends are exceptionally talented.
It is true to say that The Choir of Man isn’t your average musical, and if you go in expecting your routine story of boy meets girl, you might feel a little confused. That said, if you go in with an open mind, then The Jungle is ready to welcome you in for a night of laughter, honesty and absolutely brilliant music.
Review: Hannah Daglish
Photos: Mark Senior
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Tickets are available from the theatre box office and from ATG Tickets LINK
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