Straight men with hipster and bear personas dancing in a pub? Sounds like a gay man’s fantasy! These beer-fuelled men foot-stomping around on a ‘pub stage’ and singing Adele may seem odd to some, but The Choir of Man has already been a huge success on London’s West End.
Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, the setting for this musical is a British/Irish pub called ‘The Jungle’, with a cast of nine multi-instrumentalist singers. Contemporary songs from artists such as Katy Perry, Avicii and Sia are interspersed with dialogue written by British poet Ben Norris. First performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017, The Choir of Man has also performed at the Kennedy Centre in the US and Sydney Opera House in Australia.
The Choir of Man cast
Having previously worked on the show Gobsmacked! Doodson and Kay collaborated to develop a musical involving the common man who sings in the local pub choir. Doodson had gained some insight, having toured for fifteen in an all-male vocal band.
“I also spent those fifteen years visiting various pubs,” jokes Doodson.
“It’s like stumbling across a bar in the seedy side of town and befriending a group of straight mates!”
“They say make art about what you know. I knew about singing and drinking, so I thought I’d put them together! I wanted to create a show presenting a different side of masculinity and the opposite of the ‘toxic masculinity’ that was prevalent and talked about around 2017. I also had a desire to talk about community, and its importance to the human condition.”
The Choir of Man cast
“The show is about how we’re better together than when we’re apart,” says Doodson.
“Over the past few years, particularly because of Covid, we’ve forgotten what it’s like to spend that valuable time with other people. At its heart, this show is all about community.”
The production, which includes choreography by tap dancer Freddie Huddleston, includes a cast of masculine characters including the Maestro, Beast, Joker, Handyman, Barman, Bore, Hardman and Poet.
In the role of the Poet, Connor Going acts as narrator, introducing the various characters while also providing context connecting to the personalities and songs.
“I enjoy creating the welcoming atmosphere and guiding the emotional ebbs and flows of the piece,” says Going.
“The Poet helps tie everyone together, and it’s a real joy to inhabit. Part of the magic is connecting with folks from all over the world, sharing and celebrating the show’s messages of community, togetherness, and love. It’s amazing to see how that touches people universally.”
“The real heart of the show is to be found in the words,” says Going.
“Our writer Ben Norris has penned some beautiful monologues touching on a wide range of themes, and their importance has only increased since The Choir of Man’s inception back in 2017. I love sharing that with our audiences.”
The Choir of Man cast
The production, which received an Olivier Award nomination, has an immersive edge allowing the audience to mingle and drink at the fictitious pub. Another to be found at the bar is The Hardman, played by Will Silver. Although menacing to look at, there is more than meets the eye with this gentle giant.
“At first glance, you would probably think twice about messing with him,” says Silver.
“He doesn’t give anything away, so it’s a little touch and go with knowing how he’s feeling. The Hardman likes things done his way and his passion can be mistaken for frustration. But he’s quite caring and would do anything for you.”
“I feel fortunate to play this role,” says Silver.
“Not just as the character, but also as myself. People watch this show and see part of themselves, particularly during Dance with My Father (Luther Vandross). We’ve all experienced loss in some way, and in that moment we’re not just actors and audience members, but human beings feeling emotion in the same way.”
“I think there’s a lot to be said about what people take from this show,” says Silver.
“You can be reminded of the importance of socialising and being there for people, letting loose and accepting people for who they are.”
The Choir of Man cast
While the show falls into the category of jukebox musical, its immersive experience with a cast of burly bear-like DILFs gives it a unique quality. It’s like stumbling across a bar in the seedy side of town and befriending a group of straight mates!
“One of my favourite reviews from a US tour said they left feeling they’d made nine new friends,” says Going.
“That encapsulates what I hope people take from our show. We want it to be a space where everyone, no matter where they’ve come from, can feel safe, loved, and inspired to embrace all life has to offer – including music and a free pint!”
The Choir of Man is at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne until 11 February
For more visit: thechoirofman.com
