The power of music to unite is undeniable – melodies, rhythms and lyrics connecting all to the human experience – whether music serves as markers of important life events, beacons of hope, support systems during times of heartbreak, there’s a playlist I’m sure we’ve all got curated ready to take on the day. Tapping into this deeply moving facet of our daily lives, Immersive Everywhere bring their Olivier Award nominated production of The Choir of Man to the Arts Theatre stage – a much welcomed, uplifting opener to the year!
Reminded of the closures post 2020 that have impacted our current landscape, the production’s antiquated yet stylish pub located stage retains a nostalgic feel – a means to socialise and unwind, the very notion of a pub as a place to do this now feeling ever more distant. Our narrator, Poet (Michael Hamway) connecting the dots – tying the production together to add meaning to the musical catalogue curated. The show’s ensemble-centric set up perfect in its conviction to promote a brotherhood, a meeting of minds. The cast taking on solos and group numbers that leave us humming and toe tapping in our seats.
Michele Maria Benvenuto, Adam Bayjou, Andrew J Carter, Luke Conner Hall, Sam Ebenezer, Ben Goffe, Daniel Harnett, Mark Irwin, James Hudson, Peter Lawrence and Niall Woodson foster a comical, down to earth and homely atmosphere – renditions of Katy Perry’s Teenage Dream, Avicii’s Wake Me Up, Sia’s Chandelier, Adele’s Hello and The Proclaimers’ 500 Miles all given inventive make overs that resonate and leave their mark. Ben Norris crafts a thoughtful script placing all of the cast at the fore and keeping us all in the know. Voiced by Poet, rather than it necessarily being a typical dramatic play whereby the cast interact with each other gives the piece a bird’s eye view type perspectives which just works. Nic Doodson directs a familiar yet sentimental 90 minutes, we’re left entertained – the piece a feel good anecdote to current tough times! A must see!
Written by Lucy Basaba.
The Choir of Man is currently showing until Sunday 2nd June at the Arts Theatre. To find out more about the production, visit here…
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