Show spotlight on 'The Choir of Man' with Paul McArthur

As part of a series celebrating some of the West End's longest-running shows, we speak to Paul McArthur who plays the Poet in The Choir of Man.

Summary

• Paul McArthur stars as the Poet in The Choir of Man
• The show first opened in the West End in 2021 and brings together a group of men who sing pop songs over a pint and packet of crisps
• The show was created by Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay

Nic Doodson and Andrew Kay's pub musical The Choir of Man has been entertaining audiences with free pints and big, belting vocals since the show's fringe beginnings in Edinburgh in 2017. Like its neighbours SIX and Operation Mincemeat, the fringe show has gone on to have long-running West End success, having made its debut at the Arts Theatre in 2021.

The show temporarily closed for planned renovations at the theatre at the beginning of the year, but triumphantly reopened in March 2025 to continue spreading its message of community through much-loved pop and rock songs. Nine talented multi-instrumentalist singers come together to share their stories in a celebration of British pub culture. It's one knees-up you don't want to miss.

McArthur, who played the role as part of the Norwegian Cruise Lines production before making his West End debut, discusses why audiences come away from the show with a full heart.

Book The Choir of Man tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Why do you think The Choir of Man has lasted for so long in the West End?

I think because you truly leave The Choir of Man with a full heart. It’s often labelled the show to take ‘non theatregoers’ to because it’s an hour and a half of non-stop fun, with well-known songs and the chance of a free pint, but it’s a guaranteed great night out! And even the theatre aficionados surprise themselves, and end up bringing their nan or parents along again and again. And because the show is so interactive (no spoilers), it’s completely different every night, which is brilliant!

What is the best audience reaction you have seen to The Choir of Man?

We recently had a show fully booked out by two community choirs, which meant performing to an entire audience of fellow singers.

We even got the chance at the end of the show to all sing the composer Jack Blume’s arrangement of "Chandelier", which they had learned beforehand, and it was incredibly moving and special. A life memory made and a reminder of the power choral singing has.

What is your favourite moment in The Choir of Man?

At the end of the show we sing "The Parting Glass" a cappella and off mic. It’s a Celtic folk song farewell to the audience, but also a toast to the one’s we wish we could have one last drink with — and being a Scotsman, I never tire of singing or hearing it.

What is a little-known secret about performing in The Choir of Man?

The ‘home speech’ section of the show is where we get to know the cast members, and is fully bespoke to the cast on that night. The script is ever changing dependant on the line-up of the cast/swings/emergency covers on that night, and it is all 100% true. The writer Ben Norris crafts them masterfully, so they are all individually tailored to every performer. It's a lovely example of the passion and love that goes into making this show.

What do you hope audiences take away from The Choir of Man?

Honestly, whatever they need to that day. There’s a lovely through line of the importance of community and friendship, and it's a safe space to feel, emote, sing along, shed a tear, raise a glass, laugh, and just simply enjoy themselves for an hour and a half. Hopefully they leave The Jungle a little lighter and merrier than when they first came in, with a beer mat, packet of crisps and a free pint!

Book The Choir of Man tickets on LondonTheatre.co.uk

Photo credit: Paul McArthur in The Choir of Man. (Photo by Mark Douet)