Choir of Man – The Lowry, Salford

Creators: Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay

Monologue Writer: Ben Norris

Director: Nic Doodson

Back in 2016 Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay were sitting in a beer garden when Andrew told his friend he had an idea for a show.  A trial in a tiny venue in North London followed with the full show opening at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2017. Choir of Man is not a musical in the true sense of the word.  There is no plot, but a series of monologues.  There is no change of set, it’s a pub with a bar, tables and piano – although a roll on urinal does make an appearance.  There is no link between the songs apart from the monologues and not always then.  Instead it’s a group of men in a pub, being there for each other, showing friendship, support and empathy while singing together.

The actors use their own names, but are allocated a character – poet, maestro, hard, romantic, bore etc.  A later monologue also uses the actors real lives and backgrounds as the basis of a speech about each of them.  It’s personal and enhances the feelings and empathy for each man.

Central to the whole show is Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi’s Poet.  He is the beating heart of the show, performing the monologues with a passion and depth of feeling that accentuate not only their meaning but their relationship with the men on stage.  A natural charisma draws the audience to him.  But Choir of Man is truly an ensemble show.  Nine men.  All excellent singers, all playing at least one instrument and all working happily while breaking the fourth wall and interacting with the audience, including bringing some onto the stage and also mixing with the audience in the auditorium.

Alongside Nimi Owoyemi, Gustav Melbardis (Maestro), Aaron Pottenger (Bore) Jack Skelton (Handyman), Sam Walter (Romantic), Niall Woodson (Hard Man), Lewis Dragisic (Beast) Joshua Lloyd (Barman) and Ben Mabberley (Joker) sing, dance and play their way through multiple songs from classics to the more modern.  Notable ones are Nimi doing Fifty Ways to Leave Your Lover with the percussion provided by an incredible tap routine by Jack Skelton.  Joshua Lloyd’s Somebody to Love showcases his range and skill in a song which is not easy to sing.  There are a couple of minor niggles.  At times the sound balance favours the music over the vocals.  But they do not distract from what is an excellent evening’s entertainment.

From the onstage bar being open to the audience both before the show and during the interval, the audience sing-a-long of Livin’ On A Prayer, the singing, dancing, interactions with the audience and sheer heart of the show, Choir of Man is an evening of uplifting feel good emotions.  Make your way to the Jungle Pub and join the show.

Runs until 17th October 2026