The Choir of Man: Pub Songs, Heart and a Proper Sing-Along

There are nights at the theatre that feel like a proper treat, and The Choir of Man at Manchester Opera House last night was absolutely one of those. Walking in, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from a show billed as nine blokes in a pub singing their hearts out, but from the moment you step into the venue, it’s clear this is going to be different.

One of the absolute highlights — and trust me, I wasn’t expecting this — is that before the show even starts, you get to wander onto the stage itself.

There’s an actual working bar up there, serving real drinks, with the cast already milling about creating that perfect pub atmosphere. I recorded a quick piece while I was up there, looking out at the auditorium which was filling up nicely.

People were thinking “Crikey, this is different” as a few of the audience got on stage too. You literally turn around and you’re standing on the set where the whole show unfolds. That immersion hits you right away — this isn’t some distant performance; you’re part of it from the off.

A bit about the show — and why it works so well

Created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay, and directed by Nic Doodson, The Choir of Man first burst onto the scene at the Edinburgh Fringe back in 2017 before finding a home in London’s West End (over 1,000 performances at the Arts Theatre) and touring the world.

It’s racked up five-star reviews everywhere from WhatsOnStage (“a 10/10 evening of enjoyment”) to The Stage (“a joyous celebration of masculinity, music and mateship”).

The concept is beautifully simple: nine incredibly talented men — singers, beatboxers, dancers — transform a rundown pub into a space of raw emotion and belting anthems.

Think everything from Queen and Luther Vandross to Adele, Paul Simon, Avicii and Katy Perry, all delivered with stunning harmonies, foot-stomping energy and moves that’ll have you grinning ear to ear.

What elevates it beyond a karaoke night is the storytelling. Each performer plays a heightened version of themselves — real names, real personalities — weaving personal tales of friendship, struggle, love and loss amid the pub banter. It’s funny, it’s moving, and crucially, it never feels preachy.

Ben Mabberley, originally from Macclesfield in Cheshire and playing Joker in this first UK & Ireland tour, put it perfectly when I interviewed him beforehand: “On the surface, you could say it’s just nine blokes sat in a pub singing songs, but it’s a real love letter to community, male friendship and what pub culture can do for bringing people together”.

Seeing a friendly local face on stage

It was brilliant to see Ben owning the stage as Joker, that cheeky troublemaker who’s always up to no good. He even sent me a lovely message on Instagram after the show, thanking me for my quick review from outside the theatre — proper nice touch that.

When you’ve interviewed a local lad from Macclesfield and then watch him bring his real personality to life up there (trained at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama, no less), it adds that extra layer of connection for a Mix 56 audience.

Audience magic and that unforgettable finale

The audience were an absolute joy — warm, up for it, totally in the room. One lucky punter even got pulled onstage and played their part brilliantly, which got a huge cheer. You’re never obliged to join in (important to say), but it’s hard not to tap feet or sing along when the energy’s this infectious.
There were proper emotional moments too.

The woman in front of me started crying during Dance With My Father Again — it touched a nerve. I just wish I’d had a pack of tissues to give her.

The real goosebump moment came at the finale, when multiple local choirs from across the North West joined the cast for a massive sing-along. The sound was immense — pure celebration that lifted the roof off.

Outside afterwards, I bumped into Bee from Voices of Harewood choir, who was beaming. “It was absolutely amazing,” she told me. “It brings such joy… I was moved by all the songs, but especially the ballads. And that finale with all the choirs — I didn’t know there were so many choirs in Manchester! It shows how much pleasure it brings people to sing together”.

Why you need to go

The Choir of Man isn’t trying to be high art or change the world. It’s a brilliantly crafted night of proper feel-good theatre that reminds you what live performance does best: bring strangers together through song, laughter and a shared pint (or two).

The cast are phenomenal — tight harmonies, killer choreography, genuine chemistry — and the pub setting makes every moment feel lived-in and real.

Running at Manchester Opera House Tue 5 May – Sat 9 May 2026, this is the perfect antidote to anything heavy. Bring mates, bring a date, bring your singing voice (or don’t).

You’ll leave buzzing, probably humming a tune all the way home down the M56.

Five stars. Proper class.

• Tickets from ATG Tickets