I never thought I would find myself on the stage at the Hall for Cornwall, but that is exactly what happened to me and several other audience members during a performance of The Choir of Man.
The show is set in a fictional pub called "The Jungle" and features a working bar. The cast regularly hands out free beers and invites audience members to join them on stage.
The performers are multi-instrumentalist singers who deliver powerful, reimagined covers of well-known pop and rock songs, including Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N' Roses, Queen's Somebody to Love and Adele's Hello, along with complex tap routines.
Thankfully for me, and the rest of the audience, I was not asked to sing along or dance during my small part. All I had to do was build a beer mat pyramid to rest a pint on. What makes The Choir of Man a unique musical and such an enjoyable, feel-good night of foot stomping entertainment is that the audience is encouraged to take part in the show.
You really feel like one of the barflies on a great night out, singing along to the various hits and listening to the stories told through the spoken word monologues. You become part of an uplifting celebration of community and friendship.
Like any pub, it is not all about having fun. Many people visit their local to let off steam, and The Choir of Man covers this with surprisingly moving, quiet moments that touch on men's mental health and positive masculinity.
Every performance ends with the cast performing alongside local choirs, which was a highlight. They were joined by inTune Choir, Celtic Male Ensemble and Acapella Sound to sing Sia's Chandelier, making for a rapturous finale.
The Choir of Man was just the tonic I needed. A great night out to lift your spirits.
The show is being performed at the Hall for Cornwall until September 12. I would encourage everyone to get down to The Jungle for a pint and a laugh.
Unexpected Stage Appearance at Hall for Cornwall