Photos – David and Chris Cann
Do you ever go to a restaurant and know exactly what you’re going to order because you’ve looked up the menu earlier to avoid any surprises? Sometimes theatre can be like that, familiar stories and an understanding between audience and performers, an unspoken contract where those on stage entertain those in the audience.
Choir of Man is nothing like this, the entire production refuses to acknowledge this contract, smashing through the fourth wall and leaving the stage open to audience members. Drinks are poured, and delivered to the audience by the nine-part strong ensemble, and the audience becomes part of the act in what I can only imagine is an OH&S nightmare for the Arts Centre.
But the payoff for this all-inclusive sing-along is well and truly worth any extra paperwork. The ensemble cast offers a wonderfully joyful show, where each performer gets a chance to shine and show their impressive skills. There are barrel turns, backflips, tap dancing and accomplished musicians who switch from piano, to guitar, to flute in a few bars of music.
Set in a local pub, the story is simple, nine men who instead of playing football or darts, have formed a choir. They drink and they sing, and they form strong bonds of friendship through the shared love of beer and ballads.
Choir of Man is a cocktail of cabaret, comedy and concert. The mix of classic pop, current bangers and a few Aussie favorites will have you grooving along to their sweet harmonies. It’s a show unlike anything I’ve seen before – Choir of Man is fresh, inventive and offered up by a crew of multi-talented artists capable of things that don’t seem physically possible… until they are.
Newly arrived from sold out tours on the international festival circuit, Choir of Man is pure enjoyment served in a pint glass. Take a chance on something different, you won’t be disappointed by these all-singing, all-dancing musicians who are bringing their unique sense of humour to Aussie audiences.
Choir of Man
Venue: Playhouse | Arts Centre Melbourne
Dates: 28 December 2019 – 12 January 2020
Tickets: from $79.90
Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
