The Choir of Man – Storyhouse, Chester

Creators: Nic Doodson & Andrew Kay

Monologue Writer: Ben Norris

Director: Nic Doodson

The Choir of Man lands in Chester this week as part of its first-ever UK Tour, and it is almost impossible not to be swept up in its infectious energy. As soon as the auditorium opens, the audience is thrust into The Jungle, the local pub, where friends meet, beers are shared and songs ring from every rafter. The cast mingle freely, breaking down the traditional fourth wall and creating a warm, welcoming and wonderfully boisterous atmosphere. Whether it is a cheeky pint, a hug or a selfie, there is a genuine sense of community. The audience is not simply invited to watch the pub; they are invited to be the pub.

At its heart, The Choir of Man is a celebration of friendship, camaraderie, music and the male voice, combining powerful harmonies with comedy, storytelling, dance and plenty of audience interaction. The nine-strong cast – Rob Godfrey as Beast, Joshua Lloyd as Barman, Ben Mabberley as Joker, Gustav Melbardis as Maestro, Oluwalonimi Owoyemi as Poet, Aaron Pottenger as Bore, Jack Skelton as Handyman, Levi Tyrell Johnson as Hard Man and Sam Walter as Romantic – work together as an exceptionally engaging ensemble.

The harmonies are brilliant, and when the cast come together vocally, the sound is genuinely impressive. Each performer brings their own personality to the stage, but it is their chemistry that makes the production so enjoyable. There is a real sense that the cast are having as much fun performing as the audience is watching.

Rob Godfrey’s Beast provides some particularly brilliant comedy, bringing a mischievous energy to the role and delivering plenty of laughs. There is also a memorable song in the men’s toilet – a great moment that is perhaps a little too long, but adds to the show’s wonderfully unpredictable charm.

Oluwalonimi Owoyemi is particularly memorable as the Poet, providing the thread that weaves the show together. His narrative moments add a poignant dimension to the exuberance, giving the audience space to reflect on friendship, love, loss and belonging without becoming overly sentimental. Gustav Melbardis is another standout as Maestro, possessing an enigmatic presence that is utterly captivating and commanding attention whenever he appears.

The bar set by Oli Townsend and Verity Sadler enhances the immersive nature of the show, with audiences able to enjoy a cheeky beverage on stage before the show and during the interval. It adds to the feeling of entering the world of The Choir of Man rather than simply watching it from a theatre seat.

The production moves with ease from one number to the next, thanks to Nic Doodson’s slick choreography, while Freddie Huddleston’s brilliant choreography brings the show to life. The interval does, perhaps, slightly dampen the momentum, but the energy quickly returns.

There is, however, one notable downside. At times, the music drowns out the vocals, which, for a show fundamentally centred on the male voice, feels counterproductive. Some of the vocal performances deserve greater clarity, particularly during the bigger musical numbers when the ensemble harmonies are at their strongest and allow the best chance to hear Jack Blume’s brilliant arrangements.

That minor criticism aside, The Choir of Man is a hugely entertaining night out. Joyful, energetic, funny and uplifting, it is the kind of show that leaves its audience smiling as they leave the theatre. With infectious atmosphere, superb harmonies, brilliant comedy and genuine warmth, it raises a glass to friendship, music and simply having a thoroughly good time.

Runs until 22 August 2026 and continues on its Uk Tour.