Theatre Review: The Choir of Man at the Alexandra Theatre
AD: This Press Night Review refers to the 2026 Touring Production of the Choir of Man at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham*
After its Edinburgh Festival Fringe debut and a long West End Run, this is The Choir of Man’s first ever UK tour. And I’d heard nothing but good things. Their appearance on the 2026 Big Night of Musicals was also a fantastic advertisement for the show, giving a Stockton-on-Tee’s men’s choir Infant Hercules the opportunity to perform with the cast.
And this initiative has continued on tour, allowing us to experience a breath-taking collaboration between the performers and Midland choir Got To Sing.
The Choir of Man is fresh, energetic and completely uplifting. In fact, it’s like nothing I’ve experienced in a theatre before. For a start, the beer is flowing freely, and not just in the press area. It’s not so much a musical, or even a play. It’s a theatre experience with nine talented actor-musician performers interspersing music with monologues. The songs are familiar, but with a unique twist making this more than another score of jukebox standards.
“The Jungle” is where the action takes place, a typical British boozer with a typical group of men. There’s the Poet, the Hard Man and the Handyman. The Beast, the Joker and the Bore. The Maestro, the Romantic, and the lynchpin of the pub, the Barman. Each character actually bears the name of the performer, blurring the lines even more between art and authenticity.
In a series of vignettes, each has their moment in the spotlight. The layers of each stereotype are slowly shed, and we get a glimpse of the man behind the label. We don’t know the characters, or know their backstory, we only know what they choose to share in that moment, and we, the audience, can create our own conclusions from the ambiguity.
Cleverly selected songs hint at emotional aspects: Adele’s “Hello” to speak of loneliness, Paul Simon’s “50 Ways to Leave your Lover” to portray a relationship on the rocks. The Poet (Nimi Owoyemi) delivers passionate interludes reiterating the importance of small pleasures, nostalgic memories and the humble public house.
Oli Townsend’s beautifully designed pub set seems intimate and inviting, despite the large Alexandra auditorium and its anticipatory audience. And just like last week’s visit to the Rocky Horror Show, audience participation is positively encouraged. It feels fun and unpredictable, precise but not polished, thanks to Jack Blume’s musical direction and Freddie Huddleston’s intricately crafted choreography.
The boundaries between stage and auditorium are blurred. Early arrivals get the opportunity to take a pre-show drink with the cast; the theatre bar is extended to the stage during the interval. Yes, The Jungle is a working bar. As long as your tipple is lager or J2O. Don’t be asking for any complicated cocktails here. Unless it’s a piña colada…
Given the rise of the manosphere and toxic presence of some male personalities, The Choir of Man is especially impactful. Themes of male mental health, vulnerability, grief and loneliness run throughout but are not handled heavily. Instead the show focuses on connection and community. The cast treat each other, but also the audience members, with the utmost warmth and respect. They are not only performers, but they are our amiable hosts. Everyone is welcome.
With such a phenomenally talented ensemble, it’s impossible to single out individuals. After all, a choir is made of many voices, and this production showcases some truly outstanding vocalists. However I’m not sure there was a dry eye in the house for Nimi’s devastating rendition of “Dance with my Father”. Thankfully this is quickly followed by an uplifting “Somebody to Love” from Barman Joshua, who also provides another standout moment with “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)”.
Our Press Night Cast: Gustav Melbardis as Maestro; Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi as Poet, Levi Tyrell Johnson as Hard Man; Ben Mabberley as Joker; Rob Godfrey as Beast, Niall Woodson as Handyman; Joshua Lloyd as Barman; Sam Walter as Romantic and Aaron Pottenger as Bore.
When we think our hearts are already full, the musical instruments are set aside. From those on stage, and from specially invited local groups in the audience, an exquisite acapella performance of Sia’s “Chandelier” fills the entire auditorium. It’s a moment of pure joy, and yes, I’m reaching for those tissues again.
Living in the Midlands and inspired to sing? Join a Choir – Find Local Choirs Near You in West Midlands, UK
In a time when hospitality is suffering more than ever, The Choir of Man is a stark reminder of the importance of the pub in British culture, and most importantly the sense of community it gives to those that are lonely.
I leave the Alex with a huge smile on my face, and joy in my heart. Let’s raise a toast to The Choir of Man, The Jungle Pub, and all who drink in her.
The Choir of Man is at the Alexandra Theatre, Birmingham until Saturday 18th July 2026. Purchase your tickets here. The UK Tour continues until December 2026. For a full list of dates, visit the The Choir of Man official website.
Photo Credit: Mark Senior
*Why is this post marked AD? I was invited to attend Press Night in exchange for an honest review. You can trust that I will always be honest and truthful on A Brummie Home and Abroad, and being an invited guest will not influence my opinion in any way.
