A GROUP of “really hot men singing” is how my friend described the West End’s Choir of Man – a true statement and one that speaks to the show’s light-hearted but finessed appeal.
I saw the Choir of Man in June at the Arts Theatre at Great Newport Street in the West End, witnessing an exciting and endearing display of youthful energy at the next-door Leicester Square – packed for the Netflix’s Bridgerton premiere.
Further before the show, 0.5 per cent beer and regular beer was served from the stage itself, a successful piece of theatre as it immersed the audience and fed into the football stadium energy in the audience.
I loved being sat in this contemporary London theatre which now felt like it was an ‘old-school’ playhouse where the masses drank, ate, laughed a lot, and so on.
This type of feel-good experience was reflected in the play’s premise which is that there is a modern pub that is an idealised version of an old-school pub where there’s banter, mates, and a men’s choir instead of a football team.
After the premise was quickly explained, characters were introduced as archetypes without plot and without any follow-ups at all.
I mostly accepted this lack of plot, thoroughly enjoying the tap-dancing moments, the piano being wheeled out, the masculine harmonising, and the pops of boyband style hip-thrusting.
It was also good to see the chosen audience members who were serenaded taking it in their stride as well as the audience engagement throughout – frankly some audience members even seemed seduced at some points.
I would have preferred even just a bit more plot – my friend said she would have liked a twist – and I think that does speak to how even ‘silly and fun’ comedy plays still often have a mystery element to tie the show together.
If you like a somewhat cheesy song such as Escape (The Piña Colada Song) or perhaps you are always eager to watch ‘trashy’ TV after a tiring work shift, then this is a few hours or escapism where you will be dazzled by West End style flair.
With a broad part- Euros, part-Eurovision crowd-pleasing appeal and with tickets starting from £15, this show earns its place as a regular.
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