West End talents join the cast for foot-stomping musical on Northampton stage
The cast has been announced for an international smash-hit musical heading to Northampton, promising an uplifting celebration of pubs, community and friendship.
The Choir of Man has been a huge success on London's West End, earning an Olivier Award nomination. It features a cast of nine men who combine beautiful harmonies and foot-stomping singalongs with world-class tap dance and soulful storytelling.
Featuring hits from artists such as Queen, Luther Vandross, Sia, Paul Simon, Adele, Guns N' Roses, Avicii and Katy Perry, the show promises something for everyone – including beer.
The cast will feature Gustav Melbardis as Maestro (whose credits include Choir of Man and Rent), Oluwalonimi (Nimi) Owoyemi as Poet (The Second Woman, Young Vic; The Wind in the Willows, Shakespeare North Playhouse), Levi Tyrell Johnson as Hard Man (Choir of Man, West End; Hamilton, UK & Ireland tour), Ben Mabberley as Joker (Calamity Jane, UK tour; Blood Brothers, UK tour), Rob Godfrey as Beast (Choir of Man, West End & US tour), Jack Skelton as Handyman, Joshua Lloyd as Barman (Chicago; The Lion King, UK & Ireland tours), Sam Walter as Romantic (Choir of Man, West End; Kinky Boots, NCL) and Aaron Pottenger as Bore (Choir of Man, NCL; Ragtime).
The company also includes Sam Ebenezer (Choir of Man, West End; The Mousetrap, West End), Jared Leathwood (Choir of Man, West End; Billionaire Boy, UK tour), Niall Woodson (Choir of Man, West End; Frankie's Guys, UK tour) and Lewis Dragisic (Choir of Man, West End; Twelfth Night, UK tour) as swings.
The Choir of Man has previously played three sold-out seasons at the Sydney Opera House and multiple sold-out US and European tours. The show is set to embark on its fourth North American tour from December to March 2026, playing in 45 cities.
The Choir of Man's West End tenure at the Arts Theatre began in 2021, where it has enjoyed more than 1,000 performances, with many sold-out shows and an Olivier Award nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.
The producers are also on the lookout for Northamptonshire choirs to take part. Participating choirs will be offered discounted tickets and rehearsal materials in advance and will be invited to experience the opening night performance as part of a wider celebration of music and community.
Interested choirs should email: [email protected].
Nic Doodson, creator and director, said: "The Choir of Man has always been about individuality, generosity, humour and the joy of making music together, and this company embodies all of that.
"As we take the show around the UK for the very first time, it felt vital to open the doors even wider and invite local choirs to quite literally raise their voices with us.
"Every city has its own musical heartbeat, and welcoming those voices into the show on press night is a powerful reminder of why this piece exists: to celebrate community, connection and the extraordinary feeling of singing together."
The Choir of Man runs at the Royal & Derngate from Tuesday October 6 to Saturday October 10.
Visit royalandderngate.co.uk or call 01604 624811 to book.