Drink in the action of The Choir of Man
NINE ordinary British guys singing songs of mateship and offering beers from a working bar may not be a regular sight for theatre goers.
But Andrew Kay and Nic Doodson’s latest production, The Choir of Man, pulls pints and invites audience members to get up close and be ready to drink in the action.
The production promises a joyous show for all ages featuring an everyman choir which performs rock anthems, traditional folk, choral, opera and spoken word.
Kay said a new, fresh and young cast aimed to create a “brand” of their own.
“Imagine nine Ed Sheerans on stage, that’s the kind of experience we are bringing to Geelong,” the producer said. “Of more than 600 audition tapes viewed, these are the best of best actors, classically trained singers and extremely talented musicians on stage.”
The production opened at the 2017 Edinburgh Festival and was a sellout at its Australian premiere at the Adelaide Fringe Festival.
“We are turning it to a mainstream theatre show now. It’s like training a horse; it will go on for another 15 years and leave a legacy behind.”
The Choir of Man member Ben Norris said the show promoted a healthy masculinity debate, challenged gender stereotypes and celebrated the importance of communal spaces like pubs.
“We often see men being ridiculed for letting down their guard and expressing their true emotions, which is absurd,” he said.
“We are celebrating healthy masculinity among nine mates in our show, who understand friendship in its truest sense and most importantly, invite the audience to have a beer for them.”
The Choir of Man will perform at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre on Thursday.