Going into the show knowing very little about it made the whole experience even more magical.
Created by Andrew Kay and Nic Doodson (also the Director), this high-energy production is unlike anything else currently touring. At its heart, this show is about friendship, belonging and the importance of community spaces — particularly the local pub. It’s a celebration of human connection; a place where people gather to laugh, share stories, support one another and escape the pressures of everyday life for a little while.
While the show does touch on drinking culture, that is far from the driving force behind the production. Instead, it focuses on the friendships formed between nine men, all with wildly different personalities and backgrounds, each navigating life’s highs and lows in their own way. What makes the production feel even more authentic is that the cast aren’t simply playing fictional characters — they are sharing elements of their real-life stories and experiences, bringing genuine warmth and honesty to the stage.
Before the show even began, we were invited on stage for the pre-show experience, where audience members could enjoy a beer, and chat with the cast inside the beautifully designed on-stage pub (named, The Jungle). It immediately broke down the barrier between performers and audience and perfectly set the tone for the evening ahead. I briefly chatted to the Barman, Joshua Lloyd, about just how hot it was (of course we had to chat about the weather) — and honestly, after only ten minutes up there myself under the stage lights, I have absolutely no idea how the cast managed to perform with that level of energy in that heat!
We also learned that this performance marked Lewis Dragisic’s first appearance in the role of the narrator-style Poet due to a cast change, and he absolutely smashed it. Another cast change saw the Handyman played by Niall Woodson, who slotted seamlessly into the company.
From the moment the show began, the atmosphere inside the theatre was electric. The production moves at an incredible pace, blending powerhouse live music, sharp comedy, emotional storytelling, energetic choreography and constant audience interaction. The audience are completely immersed from start to finish — whether that’s joining in with pub games, catching packets of crisps thrown into the crowd or even being handed the occasional free beer.
Musically, the show is phenomenal. The vocals from every single cast member are genuinely insane, with harmonies so tight and polished that at times it’s hard to believe everything is being performed live in front of you. The song choices are brilliant too, packed with tracks audiences instantly recognise and love, including Welcome to the Jungle, Save Tonight / Wake Me Up, The Impossible Dream, Teenage Dream, Hello, Escape (The Piña Colada Song), 500 Miles, Under the Bridge, Chandelier, Some Nights, Waterloo Sunset, You’re the Voice, The Parting Glass and Bring Tomorrow On.
One of the funniest and most memorable moments of the evening came during Teenage Dream, when Beast, played by Rob Godfrey, serenaded a completely unsuspecting audience member. The entire theatre was in hysterics. Another standout moment was Joshua Lloyd’s rendition of Escape (The Piña Colada Song), which was packed with charisma, humour and effortless vocals.
Then came The Parting Glass — an emotional, beautifully stripped-back ending to the evening that completely changed the atmosphere inside the auditorium. The performance was so moving and so perfectly delivered that you genuinely could have heard a pin drop. It was one of those rare theatre moments where the entire audience seemed collectively absorbed in what was happening on stage.
But the absolute highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the appearance of two local choirs — Collaboration Choir and The Buskerteers. Collaboration Choir is directed by Lizze Deane, who has helped take the Hawkstone Choir through to the finals of Britain's Got Talent. Alongside award-winning local community choir The Buskerteers, the singers suddenly stood up amongst the audience and joined the nine cast members for a breathtaking performance of Chandelier.
It was genuinely breathtaking.
In that moment, the entire theatre felt connected. It didn’t feel like we were simply watching a performance anymore — it felt like we were part of something truly special happening right there in Milton Keynes. The audience erupted into standing ovations not only after this number, but multiple times throughout the show.
One thing we would definitely recommend — don’t spend too long outside the auditorium during the interval! The cast continue entertaining the audience throughout the break too, proving these performers genuinely never stop. Their stamina and commitment are unbelievable, especially considering the heat inside the theatre last night.
What makes The Choir of Man, so refreshing is how immersive and uplifting it feels. By the end of the evening, strangers were talking to one another, laughing together and fully embracing the atmosphere the show creates. It completely reinforces the production’s core message — the importance of human connection, friendship and community, and that sense of belonging we all need.
Quite simply, this is one of the most joyful, feel-good and unique theatre experiences we’ve had in a long time. I genuinely didn’t stop smiling throughout, and by the end my cheeks actually hurt.
If you get the chance to see this show while it’s in Milton Keynes, do it. We cannot emphasise this enough — you will not be disappointed.
The Choir of Man is at 
Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 30th May — and it is an absolute must-see.
