THE CHOIR OF MAN – Review

MAYFLOWER THEATRE – until 7th November 2026

Review: Pat Hayward 3rd November 2026

Oh what a night, anyone visiting Mayflower Theatre in Southampton this week is in for an unforgettable night of theatre. Not theatre as we know it, but a night of characters, each one representing someone that we might know from down the street – except each one can act, dance, play a musical instrument, tell a joke and sing. Besides the nine guys on stage, there are another 2,000 family members in the auditorium and together they make this a night that will stay with each one of us for a very long time.

What started off as an idea at the Edinburgh fringe back in 2017 developed into a minor West End show at the studio type Arts Theatre where it finally closed at the beginning of this year before setting out on it’s first UK and Ireland tour. It’s popularity extends beyond these shores, it has been seen in the USA and Australia as well as becoming one of the most popular shows to feature on the ships of Norwegian Cruise Lines. In December this production will move back into the West End opening at the brand new Arts Theatre Marble Arch.

Last night walking into the auditorium, the level of excitement was incredible, the noise, the bustle and then you look at the stage – well lit and absolutely crammed with people with drinks in their hands as more make their way towards the stage. They are discovering the pub ‘The Jungle’ for themselves. What many people don’t realise is that some of the punters are cast members and that drinks are being served under the supervision of the Barman. You have to admit this is a very different way to engage with an audience. But not for me, I take my seat and just look at all that is going on around me, thinking if this is what the show is going to be like I am going to hate it. But how wrong I was.

The creators Nick Doodson and Andrew Kay have created a piece that I think Shakespeare would have been proud of. We get introduced to the pub regulars by their nicknames. There is Barman, Beast, Handyman, Joker, Maestro, Bore, Hardman and Romantic each one introduced to us by Poet, who tends to lead us through the evening. So from ‘Welcome To The Jungle’ through to a very special rendition of ‘Chandelier’ we are treated to the very best of popular music, often with an accomplished touch of acapella, or the unexpected variation such as ‘The Impossible Dream’. Each one brilliantly delivered in a way that adds something to the depth of the characters.

A particular touch of genius occurs later in the show when Poet tells us more about each one of the characters, and you suddenly realise that he’s not telling us about the character but about the person playing the role. Poet, himself is Nigerian with a law degree from Huddersfield – he’s Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi. And so we get to know about each one of the people on the stage which makes them even more believable.

The talent is unbelievable – Gustav Melbardis, Adam Hilton, Rob Godfrey, Ben Mabberley, Aaron Pottenger, Mark Irwin, Sam Walter and Niall Woodson – I was left wondering whether they were fitting into their roles or whether what we were witnessing was each one performing as themselves. Whatever, it worked, and each one was magnificent. What they were able to show us though, was that for everyone of us there could be be aspects of loneliness, vulnerability, mental health and the need to belong, reminding us that everyone faces their own struggles, even when they appear perfectly happy on the outside and with the demise of places such as ‘The Jungle’ the opportunities to talk and share issues with acquaintances (not family or friends) become fewer by the day.

The whole show is rather like getting to know more about the acquaintances that have invited you to their party and want you to have the time of your life – and believe me you will – and hopefully you will leave with the belief that those acquaintances could become friends. To underscore the importance that community plays in all of our lives, the team that is ‘The Choir Of Man’ invite local charitable choirs to participate in a well rehearsed number and last night 4 choirs from Hampshire and Dorset added 290 voices, spread around the theatre, to the reprise of ‘Chandelier’ at the end of the performance, mind-blowing!

The production is expertly managed in every respect, no mean feat when there can be so many unpredictable moments. Freddie Huddleston is the Movement Director and Choreographer and he ensures that the cast have every opportunity to make full use of every feature of the pub from dancing on tables, stools, crates and even transforming every day pub activities into clever musical routines. The tap dancing provides a particular highlight and can even show ‘Top Hat’ and ‘Singin In The Rain’ a thing or two. All this activity takes place in and around the set, designed by Oli Townsend, creating a convincing traditional pub that provides the platform around the bar for the entire show. What is impressive is the way the set is decorated, giving the feel of a familiar corner pub that has a real lived in feel, whilst at the same time functioning as a true pub before and during the show. The beautifully lit set creates a welcoming feeling of a friendly pub that subdues for those more reflective moments, full marks to Richard Dinnen’s design. Verity Sadler’s costumes are cleverly designed and understated. In fact the cast merge into the audience at every opportunity, especially when members of the audience join them at the bar on the stage before the show and during the interval.

A sharp, witty, tuneful, innovative piece of theatre that is unlike anything I have enjoyed before. My guess is that you will love it too – can’t wait to see it again. Like me you have until Saturday to get to enjoy the party that is ‘The Choir Of Man’ at Mayflower Theatre, better hurry the last tickets will be flying out of the door.