REVIEW - CHOIR OF MAN | OPERA HOUSE MANCHESTER | 08/05/2026
- Sarah Monaghan
- 10 hours ago
- 4 min read
The Choir of Man at Opera House Manchester – A Joyful Celebration Of Friendship, Music & Community
Background
Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, with musical supervision by Jack Blume, The Choir of Man first premiered at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 2017 before becoming an international hit with a hugely successful West End run and performances around the world.
Now touring the UK for the very first time, the Olivier-nominated production has arrived at the Opera House Manchester, bringing with it a completely unique theatre experience that feels more like stepping into your local pub than attending a traditional musical.
From the moment audiences enter the auditorium, there is already a real buzz in the air. The stage is transformed into a fully working pub called “The Jungle”, complete with real drinks being poured behind the bar, whilst audience members are given the opportunity to head up onto the stage both before the show and during the interval to soak up the atmosphere for themselves. It instantly strips away the usual formality of theatre and replaces it with something far more relaxed, welcoming and immersive.
Unlike many musicals, The Choir of Man does not rely on a traditional storyline or dramatic plot twists. Instead, the show offers audiences a snapshot into life inside The Jungle — a local pub where a group of men come together through music, friendship and community.
Guided by the pub’s resident poet, the audience gradually gets to know each of the regulars who make up the choir. Whilst there is plenty of humour, audience interaction and pub-style chaos throughout the evening, the show also explores deeper themes including loneliness, vulnerability, mental health and the importance of human connection.
What makes the production so effective is how naturally these more emotional moments are woven into the high-energy atmosphere. One minute the audience is clapping along to a huge singalong anthem and the next the theatre falls completely silent during a more reflective number.
There was such a fantastic atmosphere inside the Opera House throughout the performance, with the audience completely swept up in the energy of The Jungle.
The show never feels heavy or overly sentimental though. At its heart, The Choir of Man is a celebration of friendship, togetherness and the spaces that bring people together — something that feels especially meaningful in today’s world.
The set design is absolutely fantastic and easily one of the production’s biggest strengths. The Jungle feels like a real lived-in pub rather than a theatre set, helping audiences feel immediately immersed in the world of the show.
From beer mats flying through the audience to cast members casually pouring pints behind the bar, every detail helps create the feeling that you are spending the evening inside a lively local boozer rather than sitting in the stalls of the Opera House Manchester.
Musically, the show is an absolute crowd-pleaser. Featuring a wide range of songs from artists including Queen, Katy Perry, Sia and Paul Simon, the arrangements feel fresh and exciting whilst showcasing the cast’s incredible harmonies.
The choreography throughout is energetic, inventive and brilliantly performed, blending tap dancing, live instruments and clever movement seamlessly together. The staging constantly feels alive, with something happening in every corner of the set.
Whilst the upbeat musical numbers create a brilliant party atmosphere, some of the quieter moments are equally powerful. The more stripped-back performances allow the emotional core of the show to shine through and help balance the production beautifully.
The cast of The Choir of Man are exceptional and the chemistry between them feels completely genuine throughout.
Oluwalonimi Owoyemi is outstanding as the Poet, delivering the show’s spoken word narration with warmth, sincerity and real emotional depth. His storytelling helps ground the production and ties the different musical moments together beautifully.
Gustav Melbardis brings huge energy to the stage as Maestro, dazzling audiences with his piano playing and infectious enthusiasm, whilst Rob Godfrey delivers some wonderfully intimate musical moments that provide a quieter contrast to the show’s larger ensemble numbers.
Every cast member gets their own moment to shine and it is impossible not to be impressed by just how multi-talented they all are. Not only do they sing brilliantly, but they also play instruments, dance, tap dance and interact effortlessly with the audience throughout the evening.
More importantly though, the camaraderie between the cast feels authentic, and that genuine sense of friendship becomes the heart of the entire production.
The Choir of Man at the Opera House Manchester is uplifting, heartfelt and incredibly good fun from start to finish.
It may not be a traditional musical in the usual sense, but that is exactly what makes it so refreshing. Combining live music, humour, audience interaction and emotional storytelling, the show creates an atmosphere that feels completely unique from the moment you walk into The Jungle.
Beneath the singalongs, pub banter and high-energy performances is an important message about friendship, community and looking out for one another — and it is that emotional heart that truly elevates the production beyond simply being a fun night out.
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The cast’s genuine chemistry, infectious energy and incredible musical talent make it impossible not to get swept up in the atmosphere of the evening.
Packed with heart, harmony and plenty of pub spirit, The Choir of Man is feel-good theatre worth raising a glass to.
The Choir Of Man will be at The Lowry from 13th - 17th October 2026. Tickets are available for purchase through the link provided below.
For more information about the show, please click the button below to visit the official website.
Photos by Mark Senior
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