If starting your night out with a beer and a chat with some mates is your speed, then The Choir of Man (COM) is the show for you. Nine larrikins on stage present an hour and twenty of free beers, onstage antics and some of the finest harmonies in the business.
Whilst many fringe venues are about shock value, removal of clothes or the business of running too many of the same comedy shows, The Choir of Man is the exception to the rule. The Choir of Man is exactly what the fringe should bring to our audiences, it is (fff) fresh, fun and fantastic. The Choir of Man is well produced with the stage set up as a bar called “The Jungle.”
The Moa – the big tent in Gluttony is a welcome addition and viewing is amazing from any seat. As I said, there are 9 handsome young men in the group who openly flirt with the ladies and find time to have a decent chat with some of the blokes.
The Choir of Man is a bit blokey, there are plenty of references to the old pub traditions being eroded by Brioche buns and mobile phones, none of which are encouraged or necessary in this bar.
George the Narrator leads the audience through a plethora of amazing songs including 50 ways to leave your lover, Hello (Adele) featuring soaring vocals and the other lads in slow motion watching an imaginary football game. This reviewer loved the barman version of Somebody to Love and the precision harmonies on Sia’s Chandelier.
Multi instrumentalists included guitar, piano, trumpet and even a penny whistle and banjo provided just the right amount of colour for the nine strong vocalists. There was even some tap dancing weaved in that had the capacity audience clapping and singing along.
I find myself happier for having seen this production. The Choir of Man is truly what fringe should be about. I do love the smaller quirky shows as well, but The Choir of Man is brilliantly produced and the cast just gel, giving the impression that they are really friends that just happen to do something they love.
I will talk about, promote and recall The Choir of Man for a long time after fringe is over, make sure you grab some tickets before everyone finds out.
The Choir of Man
The Moa – Gluttony, Rymill Park, Corner East Terrace and Rundle Road, Adelaide
Performance: Thursday 21 February 2019
Season continues to 17 March 2019
Information and Bookings: www.adelaidefringe.com.au
Image: The Choir of Man (supplied)
Review: Stephen Foenander – courtesy of All About Entertainment