How did I end up on stage at the Hall for Cornwall?

ONE thing I thought would never happen in my lifetime would be finding myself on the stage at the Hall for Cornwall.

Well, that’s exactly what happened to myself and several others in the audience for The Choir of Man performance.

Set in a fictional pub called "The Jungle", the show features a working bar and the cast frequently hands out free beers and invite audience members on stage.

The cast of multi-instrumentalist singers perform powerful, reimagined covers of well-known pop and rock songs throughout the show including Welcome to the Jungle by Guns N' Roses, Queen’s Somebody to Love and Adele's Hello as well as complex tap routines.

Thankfully for me and the rest of the audience I wasn’t asked to sing along or dance during my bit part and all I had to do is create a beer mat pyramid to rest a pint on. But what makes The Choir of Man a unique musical and such a fun feel-good night of foot stomping entertainment is that the audience is encouraged to be a part of the show.

You literally feel like you’re one of the barflies on a great night out singing along to the various hits and listening to the yarns being spun through the spoken word monologues. You are a part of the uplifting celebration of community and friendship.

Like every pub it’s not all about having fun as many people frequent their local establishment to let off steam, which The Choir of Man covers with surprisingly moving, quiet moments that touch on men's mental health and positive masculinity.

Every Choir of Man show 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, which made for a rapturous finale.

The Choir of Man is just the tonic I ordered. 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.