The Choir Of Man - a love letter to the local pub, friendship and music
It’s a rollicking, foot-stamping, hand-clapping, singalong-ing riot of a show that will have you smiling from ear to ear – yes, The Choir of Man hits the spot, like a cold beer, if you like a fun time at your local... theatre, that is.
Opening last night and running at Peterborough’s New Theatre until Saturday, join nine mates down the pub sharing stories, banter, pranks and having a good old sing-song - what’s not to like?
The set is a pub, The Jungle, where this bunch of regulars – the joker, the hardman, the bore, the would-be romantic and more – gather, like a surrogate family.
There is no story, as such, though a series of heartfelt monologues delivered by The Poet (Oluwalonimi Owoyemi) give it a sense of meaning.
it is an ode to the pub, a love-letter to the local, to friendships made and to music.
And the songs – there’s quite an eclectic collection – come thick and fast; from Adele to The Proclaimers, Bon Jovi to Luther Vandross.
An a capella version of Sia’s Chandelier and Queen’s Somebody To Love stood out for me.
The singing, the harmonies and musicianship, some of it improvised with beer glasses, a table or stool (even some impressive tap dance) was superb.
Audience participation is encouraged from singing along to clapping and cheering – even joining the cast on stage for a free drink from the bar, a song and a dance.
Terrific fun.
And as for the urinal scene…. the funniest thing I have seen in ages. Going to the loo in the pub will never be the same again.
Tickets from www.newtheatre-peterborough.com