"One more drink!" Some audience members huddle in small groups discussing the show, while others gather at the bar, chatting and toasting... Such lively scenes occur after each performance of the West End musical The Choir of Man in Shanghai. This immersive theatrical party will continue its residency at Shanghai Centre Theatre through October 19.
Zhi Zhi, a devoted musical theater fan, had just finished watching The Choir of Man and shared her thoughts, "I didn't expect the live show to be so electrifying; it felt like a concert!" Many other audience members, like Zhi Zhi, were pleasantly surprised. Stepping into Shanghai Centre Theatre, visitors enter a lively neighborhood tavern, complete with a pool table, photo booth, and more. Here, the audience isn't just passive spectators but invited "guests." "Would you like a small beer, sparkling wine, or cocktail?" Every attendee gets to make their own choice.
Set in an Irish pub called The Jungle, The Choir of Man brings together an unemployed worker, a brooding poet, a lovelorn young man, and a war-traumatized veteran—each carrying their own struggles and untold stories. (Continued on page 4 from page 1) Since its premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the musical has gained acclaim for its groundbreaking approach: transplanting an actual pub setting onto the stage. Known for its vivid ensemble of characters and heartwarming storytelling, the show earned a Laurence Olivier Award nomination for Best New Comedy in 2022 and won the grand prize at the Daegu International Musical Festival.
The China tour preserves the essence of the international edition, showcasing distinctive personalities, from "regulars with Pavarotti-like vocals" to "musicians tap dancing atop the piano", through solos and interactive performances. Audiences engage in spontaneous, interactive moments, as performers frequently step off stage to toast and dance with them, and even invite guests onstage for games, ensuring that each performance is truly one of a kind. Stage lighting and sound effects further enhance the immersive atmosphere. From solos to ensemble singing, from the gentle clinking of wine glasses to the synchronized rhythm of group dance, these elements forge a strong emotional connection between the performers and the audience.
"Musicals like The Choir of Man that actually allow audience filming clips are incredibly rare," Zhi Zhi emphasized. "It's so refreshingly audience-friendly."
Ms. Tang from Hangzhou and her three friends stumbled into the bar musical quite by chance. "We saw the show poster while shopping downtown. Since catching a musical is considered a quintessential Shanghai experience, we decided to try it," she explained. Sipping her drink throughout the performance, Tang laughed, "Before the show, audience members could chat with actors onstage. It instantly took me back to my university English corner days!"
The success of The Choir of Man comes not only from its innovation but also from the growing popularity of original English-language musicals in Shanghai. The cast features seasoned actors from the world tour of The Phantom of the Opera, alongside accomplished performers from London's West End, American and Australian stages. The musical features timeless hits reimagined in acappella arrangements, from Queen's Somebody to Love to Adele's Hello, along with iconic soundtrack pieces like I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles), all interwoven with dynamic tap dancing and live piano and cello performances.
As The Choir of Man continues its successful run at the Shanghai Centre Theatre, its producer, Shanghai Jiushi Culture Media Co., Ltd., has creatively expanded the theatrical experience across Shanghai's urban landscape. Through strategic resource integration, they have crafted a unique cultural consumption concept: "Sip your way to London's West End with every glass, one ticket granting access to Shanghai's finest dining and entertainment."
"We aim to use ticket stubs as a bridge connecting cultural consumption with urban life experiences, making post-show activities more rewarding while extending the warm atmosphere of The Choir of Man to every corner of the city," said a representative from Jiushi Culture Media. This event brings together 17 premium merchants across Jing'an, Huangpu, and Putuo districts to launch The Choir of Man Shanghai Check-in Map, featuring destinations such as Shanghai Mart, CITIC Pacific Plaza, Global Harbor and the Bailian Group's No.1 Shopping Center, Huaihai 755, Bailian TX Huaihai. Audiences presenting their ticket stubs at mapped locations can enjoy exclusive discounts across a variety of sectors, including dining and retail. The themed buses are now in service, serving as a mobile cultural showcase. Jiushi Culture Media, in collaboration with the Shanghai Public Transportation Card Co., Ltd., has released a mobile transportation card featuring a comic version of The Choir of Man. In addition, a partnership with Didi Chuxing Shanghai offers ride-hailing discounts, making the "theater-going and city-exploring" experience even smoother.