Choir of Man
Norwegian Encore
Welcome to The Jungle: Choir of Man is set in a pub and features a fun, high energy show based loosely around the friendships of a group of young men, their love lives and mental health.
The group of young men who meet in the The Jungle – a old, traditional British pub – include sensitive manly men who can’t help bursting into song.
As each member of the choir talks and sings about their problems, thoughts, feelings and dreams, we are hit with songs from the modern era as well as some older classics. They sing anything from a Guns n’ Roses classic, Katy Perry’s ‘Teenage Dream’, Adele’s ‘Hello’, Queen’s ‘Somebody to Love’ and Sia’s ‘Chandelier’ to name but a few.
The cast show off an array of collective talents including their singing skills but also solo turns on piano, guitar, cajón drum, trumpet and tap dancing. Along with these talents there are plenty of gags and fantastic choreography. It’s a well-polished production that manages to flow seamlessly.
In contrast to most stories, there isn’t a straightforward narrative – it is more about the theme of brotherhood and friendship. The narrator and the landlord help to pull the production together as well as focusing on the importance of men’s mental health. The idea that when the guys get together it is okay to talk about how they are feeling and that there is no shame in feeling down is something I was not expecting from the show, but I am glad they went down this route, and they did a great job too.
Choir of Man is a show that has relentless upbeat energy and slick stagecraft, and each and every cast member sung and acted wonderfully. A real treat for passengers of the Norwegian Encore.
The Humpo Show | Richard
