Extraordinary Electrifying Feelgood Sensation - The Choir of Man arrives at Milton Keynes Theatre until Sat 30 May, and what a night it is!
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
What began life at the Edinburgh Festival has grown into something truly special, an utterly unique theatrical experience that’s part concert, part comedy, part heartfelt storytelling, and entirely unforgettable.
From the moment you walk in, you know this isn’t your typical theatre show. The set is a fully realised pub - tables, stools, a buzzing bar - and before the performance has even begun, audience members are invited on stage to grab a pint. At first, it feels like a fun gimmick… but it quickly becomes clear this is all part of something much bigger.
As the cast casually enter, mingling with the audience, chatting and playing gentle music, the line between performer and spectator beautifully blurs. Then, almost without noticing, everyone settles back into their seats. The lights dim… and suddenly - BOOM - nine incredible voices burst into song, launching the show with an electrifying energy that never lets up.
Set in the on-stage pub The Jungle, The Choir of Man is quite simply the best night out you’ll have as the wonderful cast of extraordinary men deliver stunning harmonies, foot-stomping anthems, slick choreography, and genuinely moving moments. It feels like the ultimate Boys’ Night Out, and we’re all invited!
What makes it so special is that these performers aren’t playing characters, they’re sharing themselves. Each one is a singer, musician, dancer, and storyteller (and yes, definitely easy on the eye - I had a favourite… until it kept changing! Instruments are everywhere: guitar, banjo, cajón, trumpet, tambourine, bodhrán, accordion, piano, ukulele, and even a melodica - and if they don’t have one in hand, they’ll turn a mop into a microphone or a tray into a drum.
The camaraderie between the cast is completely genuine. You can feel the warmth, the humour, the support, and it radiates into the audience. As one line perfectly sums it up: “It’s the people, not the pints.”
Audience interaction is at the heart of the show, with several lucky (and brave!) audience members invited on stage. The improvisation is quick, witty, and often hilarious, creating moments that feel unique to that performance.
And speaking of hilarious, some scenes will have you crying with laughter. One moment in the gents’ bathroom had me in absolute bits, tears streaming down my face.
Despite being clearly well-rehearsed, the whole show feels spontaneous, fresh, and alive. The choreography - including some fantastic tap - flows seamlessly from one number to the next, all while pints are poured, crisps are tossed, and the party atmosphere never dips.
The lighting adds beautiful emotional depth when needed, perfectly balancing the high-energy numbers with more poignant moments.
Standout highlights? - The breathtaking performance of “Chandelier” at the end of Act One (utterly heavenly), and where a moment of complete, held silence follows a huge crescendo that is so striking, you could hear a pin drop. A powerful musical moment featuring Queen’s “Somebody to Love”, and the crowd-pleasing “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)”. It’s no surprise The Choir of Man has become such a hit. It’s uplifting, funny, heartfelt, and completely original.
I mustn’t forget the very end of the show, which is given over to the Jungle Choir Community Project, where local choirs are invited to join in on opening night. Last night, this added something truly special - what a moment! A spine-tingling, powerful sense of unity and shared joy, which was met with a huge roar from the audience and a well-deserved standing ovation. By the end, it feels like you haven’t just watched a show – you’ve all been part of something genuinely memorable together.
Don’t miss it — this is theatre at its most joyful and inclusive
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