Review | Choir of Man | Manchester Opera House | 05 May 2026
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Almost a decade after premiering at the Edinburgh Fringe, and following a four-year West End residency, Choir of Man is now embarking on its first UK tour. It transports audiences to The Jungle, a pub where a group of men gather not just to sink a few beers, but to sing.
Each of the nine characters has their own distinct personality and quirks, and we learn snippet about each of their lives throughout the two-hour show. There’s a familiarity to the characters that ensures everyone in the audience can recognise a version of someone they know, or even themselves. It Is at its best when it leans into the vulnerability of those on stage. It is refreshing to see male characters talking to each other so openly about their mental health and seeing the support and friendship they provide each other with. While the script is undeniably heartfelt, it does feel like the narrative itself takes a backseat. It is very much an exploration of the characters, rather than having its own story for audiences to follow more closely.
The music is jukebox style, with the music being pre-existing popular songs, albeit in new ways. Much like its characters, the soundtrack is eclectic, drawing from a wide range of genres. It manages to shift mood seamlessly through the music, from a powerful yet tender rendition of 'The Impossible Dream' to a rousing performance of 'Some Night’s' which builds into an energetic dance number complete with ‘beer glass-ography.’
Previously housed at the intimate Arts Theatre in London, there was a risk that scaling it up for a UK tour might lose some of the show’s charm. However, it proves to be a natural fit for the Manchester Opera House, despite having a capacity of over five times the size. The production works hard to retain its sense of intimacy, with cast members mingling with the audience before the show begins, even inviting some on stage to share a drink. Whether being brought up on stage to be serenaded, having a drink with the cast or catching a bag of crisps thrown into the audience, it is hard not to feel part of it. That sense of community is heightened in the show’s closing moments, when five local choirs totalling over 300 people join the company to sing 'Chandelier' from all corners of the auditorium. Theatre is at its best when it feels like a unique and shared experience, and Choir of Man achieves exactly that.
Choir of Man plays at Manchester Opera House until Saturday 9 May 2026.
Note: My ticket was gifted in exchange for a review. This review is based on my honest opinion alone and is without influence.
