Few theatrical experiences blur the boundaries between performance and pub revelry quite like The Choir of Man. This unique 90-minute production, which originated at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017, has been drawing crowds to the Arts Theatre since its West End debut in October 2021.
Now, as the venue prepares for redevelopment, audiences have a final opportunity to catch this acclaimed show before it closes.
Set in a fictional pub called The Jungle, complete with a working bar serving real pints, The Choir of Man invites audience members to mingle onstage before and during the performance. This immersive element transforms the traditional theatrical experience into something more akin to a concert or pub lock-in, with drinks passed around and the occasional bag of crisps thrown for good measure.
The nine-strong male ensemble cast, supported by a live four-piece band, performs a diverse selection of songs from artists including Queen, Adele, Paul Simon, Sia, and Guns N’ Roses. These musical numbers are connected by rhyming monologues written by Ben Norris, which explore personal stories and themes relevant to modern masculinity.
Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, The Choir of Man has garnered critical acclaim, including an Olivier Award nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play. The production challenges stereotypes of pub culture while celebrating male camaraderie and addressing mental health issues, even partnering with the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).
During its impressive run, The Choir of Man has entertained over 280,000 audience members across more than 1,000 performances. The emotionally charged acapella rendition of “The Parting Glass” consistently leaves audiences moved to tears. Beyond London, the show has toured internationally, including runs at the Sydney Opera House and various venues throughout the US and Europe.
Located near Covent Garden on Great Newport Street, the Arts Theatre provides an intimate setting for this unique theatrical experience. The show is currently booking until January 3, 2026, giving fans plenty of time to experience this remarkable production.
With vocal arrangements by Jack Blume and choreography by Freddie Huddleston that includes tap-dancing, The Choir of Man offers a final chance for London audiences to experience this distinctive blend of music, storytelling, and community. Fans will be delighted to know that after the redevelopment, the production will make a 2025 return to the Arts Theatre.
