The Choir of Man continues to tour the UK, welcoming audiences to The Jungle to meet a group of men who are incredible dancers and singers. We had the opportunity to ask Nimi, who currently plays the Poet in the show, some questions about The Choir of Man. Find out more below:
1: The show is built around community and belonging. Has your understanding of these ideas changed since joining the cast?
I would say the show has further reinforced the importance of community to me. Our show is set in a Pub, and pubs are a pillar in society, especially in British Culture. Our show reminds us that communities aren’t just found in pubs. It can be found in “Playgrounds, Mosques, community halls, etc. “- any place where people can gather and socialise and just be, no matter who they are. These hosts create communities and give people a sense of belonging. The rate at which these spaces are being lost is very alarming, but we need them. I have also come to realise that community transcends even physical space. In the case of Choir of Man, it’s the shared moment we as the cast and audience create together every show. The Jungle is not just about the place; it’s the people.
2: Is there a particular moment in the show that affects you the most? Has this changed since starting?
I think that I wasn’t prepared for how much ‘Dance with my Father’ would impact so many people. This is a song I am so fortunate to sing, and it’s such a beautiful arrangement of such an incredible song. The song has people in tears every night as they are attached to it for different reasons. The number of people who come to me and tell me how the song affected them is so heartwarming, but despite being told this might be the case, it is not something I could have ever been ready for. It’s such a vulnerable moment. People often tell me about their attachment to the song, and I am always taken aback by how the song can conjure up so many memories and feelings. The sense of appreciation, but also the shared moment, is very real every night. I just hope that the moment can bring some relief and pathos when people hear our version of it.
3: Hello is a powerful scene around men’s mental health. How does each audience react differently/similarly?
Hello is sung by the romantic in our show and precedes the scene of the speech “Two Teas and a Talk”. While we see the inner turmoil the romantic is facing through singing ‘Hello’, he is surrounded by the rest of the lads who are watching a football game. Audience members seem to relate to this, and some are even brought to tears at times. The speech that follows then reminds the audience that it’s okay not to be okay and it’s important to speak up. There is a negative stigma that men should not talk about their problems, but this part of the show invites the audience to look beyond the exterior and look past societal stereotypes. Just like the Pub seems to be a place of “Laddy gatherings” and beer drinking, it can be a place where people come to have a shoulder to lean on. Men shouldn’t mask how they feel behind bravado and a herd mentality, but our show celebrates what a ‘man’ is in all different forms, not just the traditional concept.
Our show is a huge advocate for Men’s metal health, and we are also partnered with CALM, which is a suicide prevention charity. Suicide is one of the biggest killers of men now in the UK, and they do such brilliant work to try and help people end their misery, not their lives.
4: What is your favourite song in the show? Do you think there could be any new songs added?
My Favourite song in the show currently has to be “You’re the Voice” sung by our Hardman. It is such a Bop, so epic, and the energy in the room is always electric. Also, I think the message behind the song is so important, especially in these times. We are the voice, and together we are stronger.
If I could add a song, I would add Pompeii by Bastille as it’s a banger. I also think Hello is such a good romantic song, but another song that would work well is Kiss from a Rose by Seal.
5: The Poet is the heart of The Choir of Man, being the key figure addressing the audience. How do you continue to access this heartfelt dialogue each night?
This is one of the biggest challenges with the role, as I believe the speeches are written in a way that asks for the words to be taken care of. The monologues, beautifully written by Ben Norris, who originated the Poet role, act as the glue to the show. The key messages lie within them, and I believe that they are best delivered with sincerity and warmth. Saying that, the challenge that presents itself is that I have to say these same words 7/8 times a week. The best way I have found to access the heartfelt dialogue is to remember that every audience is hearing these speeches for the first time, so no matter how many times I have said these words, I try to make sure that it feels like the first time I am saying them. Keep things real. As a human, it is very easy to go into autopilot, but that is so dangerous with our show. With Choir of Man, we all have to be so adaptable, which is a blessing. You can’t rehearse for being asked for a “Malibu” mid-speech. Being kept on your toes helps retain the rawness of the piece. As the Poet, I think constantly asking questions of the text is so important. Not being satisfied with only one way of delivering things, because this has meant I am still finding new moments and aspects about the speeches.
6: If you could a different role in The Choir of Man which would you choose and why?
Oooh, this is a great question. I would have to say the Handyman if I could tap dance as well as Jack and Niall. As a drummer, the drum beat in 50 Ways is one of my favourite rhythms of all time, and to be able to tap that number would be so fun. Oh, I wish I could tap dance!
7: During the scene in which each member’s upbringing is mentioned, are these changed when swings are on? If so, how do you memorise each person’s experiences?
Yes, the Home Speeches do change when a swing is on. It is such a beautiful moment where I have the privilege to give a snippet of what home means to the real people behind the archetypes they play. As wonderful as it is, I will admit that this moment can be quite a mentally taxing moment for any Poet, especially when you are used to a specific order of people. However, the best advice I received from our director Danny was not to memorise the home speeches in a specific order, but individually so you can easily swap and change depending on who is on. Another thing that helps would be ensuring you look at who you are going to talk about before delivering a speech (a moment of composure to take the audience to this person’s world). This is also because our super swings cover so many roles wonderfully that the order they are in these speeches will change, depending on who they are playing on that day. Also, what makes it easier is remembering that you are holding a piece of your friend in your hand in that moment and sharing that with the audience for the first time. Knowing them and the love you have for them really helps. I guess I can also say it helps that speeches rhyme, and I definitely know when I am wrong.
8: What do you hope audiences are still thinking/taking away from The Choir of Man all these years later?
I hope people leave the show uplifted and are reminded of the importance of gathering and the sanctity of communal spaces. I also hope that our show permits people to speak up if they are suffering in silence. “You can leave your woes at the door or bring them in and slap them on the table or sing about them”. Whoever you are, no matter your background, all stripes and shades are welcome. There is a place in this “COM-munity” for everyone. Our differences should be appreciated, celebrated, and bring us together. The Choir of Man has something for everyone. There are songs you know, dancing, free beer garnished with a side of lovely spoken word. I hope people leave thinking the harmonies in the show arranged by Jack Blume are the juiciest, most scrumptious harmonies they have ever heard. Also, quite simply, if you come and see the Choir of Man, “You’ve had it!!” (the best night of your life, hopefully). See you in the Jungle!
The Choir of Man continues to tour the UK, don’t miss this show! Many thanks to ANRPR for organising our Q & A and Nimi for taking time to answer our questions. Book your tickets here!
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