Unlike any other show likely to grace the theatrical stage, Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay’s The Choir of Man is a life affirming but unusual concept, defying conventional description whilst simultaneously thrilling its audience.

A musical it certainly isn’t and when you try and put it into the ‘concert’ category, it fails again. Neither are its songs unique – they are all covers – and few ‘musical entertainments’ include packets of Walkers crisps and beer mats being lobbed into the audience with shouts of ‘anyone want a beer?’

And yet, I have seen few audiences so receptive to this ‘across the footlights’ production which is set in a pub – The Jungle – and calls upon the audience to be as much a part of proceedings as a landlord might engage his regulars in choices from the beer pumps or lunchtime menu!

With a cast of nine highly talented young men, some seasoned and even pot-bellied enough to be convincing ‘regulars’, The Choir of Man succeeds where others fail, because the audience fall in love with The Jungle’s regulars.

Said regulars also happen to be hugely talented musicians, singers and, in one case, an exceptional tap dancer. Not your conventional regular from the Rose & Crown!

But with feelgood, foot stomping entertainment at its core, along with nuance, heartstring pulls and pathos, The Choir of Man hits the sweet spot and, deep down, every ticket holder wants to go into their local watering hole and meet those very people they’ve just watched on stage: personable, good looking, a tap dancer extraordinaire and even a graduate of the Riga Cathedral Choir School!

This show is about community and, in the words of monologues writer, Ben Norris, is unapologetically feel-good and designed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step.

Personally, I could not claim to say ‘it is my favourite’ or even ‘I loved it’ because I didn’t, but I can see with complete clarity why it would appeal. Like a pub, this show, musical, concert, however it choses to bill itself, involves everyone and the entire audience is in that on-stage pub singing along to the likes of Guns & Roses, The Proclaimers, Adele, Queen, Paul Simon and many more.

My wife was lost for words but this time, she didn’t fall asleep. “Could you see it again?” I asked, knowing that I couldn’t. “Absolutely, absolutely. Yes, yes,” she said.

Bradford’s pubs eagerly await a cast visit this week: takings are guaranteed to increase once word gets out!

The Choir of Man
Alhambra Theatre, Bradford
Until Sat 27th June 2026

PHOTO CREDIT - Mark Senior