The Choir of Man | Andrew Kay & Nic Doodson
Images: Morgan Roberts
The Choir of Man is a highly successful show—building on a strong 2017 Edinburgh Fringe Festival debut, and extensive West-End runs, to become a truly international sensation. Brisbane Festival audiences can be reassured that it has been worth the wait. If you are a fan of British pubs, then The Choir of Man is a must-see show, and I’m sure you’ve already bought your tickets. If you like musical theatre, close harmony, and contemporary music then you are in for a treat. And If you are not familiar with British pubs, then a visit to ‘The Jungle’ pub might set your expectations very high as to what a visit to a typical ‘boozer’ might deliver.
The Choir of Man’s Spiegeltent set features public house bar, and cast of nine characters who might just be encountered in a stereotypical pub: The Poet (Alex Mallalieu), Maestro (Ifan Gwilym-Jones), Joker (Conor Mellor), Beast (Norton James), Handyman (George Knapper), Barman (Mark Loveday), Hard Man (Kristian Morse BLUE SHIRT), Bore (Tyler Orphé-Baker), and the Romantic (Tristan Whincup). Together they are a ‘choir,’ in beautifully observed show that includes some serious reflections on male bonding and the importance of finding a supportive community of ‘people not pints.’
The Choir of Man is cleverly paced and entertaining. Unlike any pubs I have ever visited, moments of poetry hold our full attention, the fast-paced dance is compelling, and the music is all performed live; no jukebox or morose looking into half-empty beer glasses here. The immersive crowd involvement is appropriate and fun, particularly if you are invited onstage to become part of the action, and the steps are cleverly choreographed.
As The Choir of Man is a piece of musical theatre, I expected to see some great dance, and to enjoy the work of talented musicians and vocalists. I wasn’t disappointed. The live music is excellent—particularly the guitar and piano solos. The nine blokes really can move, and just wait until you see the superb tap-dancing by George Knapper, and the full cast high-energy Some Nights dance moves led by Mark Loveday. And repurposing Adele’s Hello to accompany the experience of watching live sport in a pub is a clever piece of musical theatre—with fantastic harmonies and great ‘slow mo’ reactions to the sporting action.
Images: Morgan Roberts
The show includes an opening original piece, Welcome to the Jungle, but the rest of the numbers are mainly folk and acoustic covers of popular music—which means there are lots of opportunities for a good singalong. However, you might just want to enjoy listening to the onstage vocals, as The Choir of Man Brisbane cast members have exceptional voices. It’s worth every dollar of the ticket price just to hear the close harmonies in the closing rendition of the traditional The Parting Glass, the glorious bass notes of Tyler Orphé-Baker, and the compelling performances by Kristian Morse and Tristan Whincup. My personal favourite numbers of the night were Save Tonight/Wake Me Up, and Somebody to Love. Although I’m not a huge fan of Chandelier, nor the earworm-inducing I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), I really enjoyed The Choir of Man versions—particularly with the ‘jazz piano’ work on ‘500 Miles,’ and exceptional Chandelier lead vocals. And I’m guessing the audience favourite will have been You're the Voice, as I think everyone in the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent was singing to that one.
Before going to the show, I did wonder why The Choir of Man is programmed for a long run across the Brisbane Festival. Having seen the opening night performance, I can see why the producers (Andrew Kay and Nic Doodson), and the Brisbane Festival team, felt that this would be one of the hot tickets of the festival and deserves a long run. The Choir of Man is a joyful, upbeat, musical celebration of mateship, community, friendship and pubs. Impressive harmonies, fabulous tap dancing, live music, and excellent audience engagement all make for a fun night out. Go with your mates or—in the best tradition of British pubs—just turn up on your own and leave having made a few new friends. Just make sure you arrive early to select your seat and catch some of the 15-minute pre-show ambiance.
The Choir of Man plays 3-26 September 2026 at the Magic Mirrors Spiegeltent, Festival Village, South Bank. The reviewer attended the 4 September 2026, 7:45pm opening night performance.
Images: Morgan Roberts
