The Choir of Man

Since its first appearance at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2017 The Choir of Man has become a global musical sensation. Its enormous success at the Adelaide Fringe Festival in 2018 also confirmed its suitability and popularity for Australian audiences. A group of hardy and blokey men, who populate a typical British pub called The Jungle, belt out a variety of pop and rock songs with incredible energy, enthusiasm and emotion. They perform renditions of hits by legendary artists such as Guns N' Roses, Adele, Avicii, Paul Simon, and Sia and. As a choir they are able to give a fantastic orchestral quality to the music and their affable nature is conveyed in the frequent invitations to join them on stage.

As musicians, singers, dancers and performers the cast is exceptional: Alistair Higgins (Maestro), Bradley Walwyn (Romantic), Rob Godfrey (Beast), Connor Going (Poet), Norton James (Swing), Nathaniel Morrison (Barman), Norton James (Bore), Tom Brandon (Hardman),  Christian Tyler-Wood (Joker), Ethan Vijn (Handyman), Angus Burchall (drums), Marcus Kurban (guitar), Craig Newman (bass) and Kyla Matsuura-Miller (Violinist). Each member has their moment to shine, and each has the opportunity to establish a personal connection to the audience. The highlight of the show is undoubtedly their rendition of John Farnham’s You’re the Voice and this particularly resonates with the audience who are encouraged to sing along to this and various other numbers.

The pub atmosphere is beautifully created via the detailed set and the relaxed casual approach to the staging and costuming. Music, mates, and good times is the motto of this show and there is plenty of playful and facetious humour to enliven the songs. This show celebrates pub culture and translates into a great fun night out.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographers: Danysha Harriott