Choir of Man, Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh Fringe

I admit I'm the wrong person to be reviewing this.  I went in with no expectations, having no idea what the show was going to be about, and left little the wiser.  Clearly I'm not in their target audience.  But here goes anyway....

Nine guys, a pub-like set, free flowing pints from the bar.  Indeed free pints for some, as the cast invited members of the audience up to join before the show started - and as it went along.  The Irish lilter of the group provided a narration, folksy homilies about a fantasy pub life where all the world's problems get sorted out.  This provided the framework for the song and dance routines.

Several members of the group play an instrument at some point, but most of the music comes from backing tracks.  The songs were well known pop songs, arranged for a more choral delivery.  (I'm guessing they were well known, although I only recognised two of them personally, because much of the audience seemed to be able to join in.)  The dance routines were well choreographed, well executed and allowed individuals to demonstrate their flair.  But it was, as the name of the group suggests, the singing which was the highlight.  Strong voices, strong harmonies, some excellent solos (my main complaint being the underuse of my favourite singer, the guy in the waistcoat).  The interactions with audience members on stage were often funny too, and demonstrated something of the performers acting and improvisational abilities.

There was a lot there to like and enjoy and get enthusiastic about.  But not enough to stop me looking at my watch well before the end.  The narrator's script was naff and embarrassing, the faux bonhomie wearing.  They'd do well to drop the cutesy attempt at a storyline and concentrate on the things they do best - a bit of dancing, a bit of music (there was one excellent pianist amongst them), and a lot of singing.  Play to your strengths lads.

Many people would enjoy this performance, many people clearly did.  But if you prefer there to be some point to storytelling then best give it a miss.