Choir of Man

Interview with 'Barman' Oliver Jacobson

A 90 minute feel good show all about the community pubs bring together in towns, cities and villages. It touches on men's mental health in such a stylised way. You're guaranteed to have a great time.

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You are LYING if you say you weren't toe-tapping or singing along to any moments of this interactive, vibrant show. It's the only show I've seen where you can get on stage pre-show and have a beer with the actors. It creates a real-life atmosphere of a pub and makes you feel welcome and a part of it. I mean some lucky audience members are even brought on stage to get involved with the action. The interactions they have with audience are rare and create a range of different moments, whether funny or even sometimes a little poignant. This show has a special place in my heart and I'm sure it does for others too.

I was lucky enough to have a conversation  with the lovely barman Oliver Jacobson at the show and then after to talk about all things 'Choir of Man' and his experience. There was also an appearance by his lovely dog Ziggy. Here's what he had to say:

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Q: What does your role as 'Barman' mean to you?

Oliver: I think the role is similar to the other roles in the show, they're all representations of real people. It's important to show that on stage. We have audience members coming up to us after the show to say how much it meant to them, how it relates to them in their own lives and telling us how much their own pub means to them. I feel like as the characters are rooted in real people and our characters in a way are almost extensions of ourselves. It's such a unique role to play, we don't real get to play ourselves much on stage and it's a cool concept.

Q: What do pubs mean to you? Tell me about your local pub that you have thought of when you've put your role together.

Oliver: When I was younger, I would go the pub with my dad to watch the football. Pubs are about community, people just think you go there to drink and get drunk; but it's about going to see your friends. There's a lot of people that might not have people that they talk to at work or at home and they might find that easier at the pub. People see it as an escapism and a place just to be. There's a pub near me called 'The Cricketers', a lot of our neighbours and everyone goes to and it's such a lovely atmosphere, everyone brings along their dogs. When the weather's nice everyone sits outside and you can just sit there for hours, just chatting and having a wonderful time. I feel that embodies the show really well.

Q: What's your favourite moment in the show?

Oliver: I would say the song 'Hello' is a great moment. It's so unique; the juxtaposition between us watching football and it goes into the freeze frames/ slow motion, all whilst the romantic is singing a heartfelt ballad. The two things go against each other and you think how is that going to work? But, I think it's super clever and effective. At first audience members might get a little laugh with 'Hello' starting and they may think something funny is about to happen. Then, they realise it's a serious moment.

Q: What's the wildest audience reaction you've had?

Oliver: I'm not sure! Because, the audience meet us on stage pre-show it breaks a boundary. So, I think sometimes when something funny happens on stage or something funny is said people just start shouting. For instance, we say that 'Rob is a beast' and there was a big silence and someone shouts 'No he's not he's gorgeous'. Everyone starts laughing and how do we keep a straight face in those moments? It's very funny! It's loads of moments like that and they kind of make the show as well. I always think that the people on stags/hens and parties are always the people must up for it! They are there for a good time and very receptive to joining in/ going along with the show. Which is important; we need the audience to enjoy it and be with us!

Q: If you could steal a prop, what would it be?

Oliver: That is a good question! I'd probably take loads of the coasters home, the ones with everyones faces on. I'd take a huge stack of them. They're fun and who doesn't want a coaster with a face on it. Lots of people when they see the show will ask if they can have some more coasters with our faces on and I think what are you going to do with them? I can just imagine my face dotted around someone's coffee table. I'd take a whole load of those coasters! I also play the melodica in the show and it gets a funny reaction from the audience members, they wonder what the instrument is. I'd probably steal that, just because I quite enjoy it.

Q: Did you know how to play the melodica before being in the show?

Oliver: Well, they ask when you audition who can play an instrument? and what can you do? There are certain instruments set to the character and the bar man always plays the melodica, or the handy man as well as tapping, he also plays the trumpet. If you can play the instruments it helps, but they also teach us how play those instruments during the rehearsals. At first, it's daunting to think 'how am I going to learn to play an instrument?', but the team are so good at teaching how to play our songs, and they do it so efficiently and quickly. Then, you've got this whole new skill!

Q: If you could describe the show in one sentence what would it be?

Oliver: A fun night-out that takes you more on a meaningful journey than you would've ever expected.

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This show is such a great addition to the London theatre scene and great for those who love a good time. It's been at the 'Arts Theatre' since October 2021 and had multiple US and European tours. In 2023 they also announced their partnership with 'CALM' (Campaign Against Living Miserably).

They have now started 'Happy Hour'! Which runs over the summer. For the next four weeks there is 20% off drinks and there will also be live music played by cast members and even guests... This happens from 5:30 - 6:30. On July 31st there is a collaboration with 'The Room Where it Happens'. This is the fantastic musical theatre bar, which is a great location: Greek Street, Soho. Where you can carry on your musical filled evening. More guests at the pre-show at the 'Arts Theatre' to be released on their social media platforms.

What are you waiting for CLICK HERE to get your tickets.