Welcome to The Jungle - Choir of Man @ the Arts Theatre (London)

The power of music and song is one that can easily unite an entire room of strangers. The first few notes or a simple chord may easily put a smile or evoke a tear from those listening. Choir of Man at the Arts Theatre achieves just this. This show is simply a celebration of good music with good company. With no significant plot driving the show, it is those who are sat or stood in the room that provided the energy to manoeuvre the plot to its destination.

The show itself is 100% what you make of it, whether you are a solo tripper or there with friends/family, this show is simply - at its heart - joy personified. With an eclectic choice of music ranging from contemporary classics (Wake Me Up by Avicii) to sing-along anthems (500 miles by the Proclaimers). With the venue itself encouraging “mild enthusiasm” the quiet singing or heckles that would normally cause a disruption to fellow theatregoers was instead relished and utilised by cast and band alike.

This production thrives off the purehearted chaos of the audience and each other to ensure that no two shows are the same. With the use of audience participation this feels less than a musical to sit and enjoy but more towards sitting in your local pub with close friends singing your heart out after a few drinks with a huge grin and crying (it's up to you whether that’s from laughter or from nostalgia).

Furthermore, the audience participation is what made the boundaries of the theatre, in the traditional sense, completely evaporate. Although those sitting in the slips and circle do not get to have all the fun those in the stalls may get, buying beer tokens before the show (this allows you to get a drink from the onstage bar) and getting to know the cast more makes the experience even more enticing from the get go. The participation is calculated and meaningful to ensure a positive and humorous experience for all those involved, whether they are on stage with the cast or not.

It must go without saying that this cast are immensely gifted vocalists and musicians, but also talented comedians, dancers and storytellers. It takes a lot of skill to not only perform such a high energy show with a level of unpredictability, but to also keep the undivided attention of an unconventional theatre audience is a reward in itself. There will be something that will linger with you once the last orders are called at The Jungle. For me that was the concept of being with good company and jamming along to great music. The admiration that the audience held for not only each other but those on stage was uncanny, yet what was even more enjoyable was watching fellow audience members' reactions to the chaos that was appearing on stage.

Its interesting and heartwarming to see the level of unity that complete strangers find within each other when music is involved. The creative team knew exactly what they were doing when deciding the running order of these songs. The old and the new coming together with new unique vocal and instrumental arrangements brought a whole new life to these well known tunes. The texture/layering of these songs felt so rich but not overbearing. With tight knit harmonies and an even closer sense of brotherhood, Choir of Man definitely created an atmosphere of togetherness.

It felt as if the cast I watched on stage that night, I knew already. The ease with the storytelling element of the performance oozed naturalism and comfort. I was too serene in my seat to allow my mind to wander. The pacing and tonality kept me eagerly waiting to hear more about these unnamed characters. Everyday we see faces, some we may recognise from journeys done over and over again, maybe from the local coffee shop where you stop off each day, you may never know these people's actual name but you know them as a person. This is what this production wants to say. Ranging from the Poet to the Romantic to the Beast. Each of these describes who they are perfectly without truly knowing their given name and that alone is enough.

The concept of home is poignant within this show and that warm, fuzzy feeling when you are back to your safe space is one felt throughout. Maybe it was the nostalgia or the sheer happiness that filled the air? Either way, Choir of Man celebrates and embraces brotherhood, music and a pint (or a cup of tea...) with pride! There will always be a seat for you at The Jungle whether you're simply passing by or a seasoned regular.