Set in 1916 during World War 1, a local choral society is losing members to the war effort. When the choirmaster quits to joins the military, a replacement must be found. The man chosen is Dr Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes), an unlikely choice. His homosexuality, Germanophilia and atheism divide the members of the small town. He is, however, excellent at his job and eventually whips the ragtag group into shape.

This lengthy transition forms the backbone of the film, and as we get to know the townspeople, we see them as inherently kind and thoughtful. The hurdles they overcome are played for humour effect with an undercurrent of social relevance. It’s presented in a way that’s far from preachy. This makes for a rather inviting time.

Quintessential British, with that charm and understatement intact, The Choral touches on a subject that seems to be fading from the public’s consciousness: the life-affirming nature of group led music and its creation. That there is a solidarity that forms when people from different walks of life unite for a common musical purpose is a subject that should never fade from public view.
Rob Hudson
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1916. As war rages on the Western Front, the Choral Society in Ramsden, Yorkshire has lost most of its men to the army.

The Choral’s ambitious committee, determined to press ahead, decides to recruit local young males to swell their ranks. They must also engage a new chorus master, and despite their suspicions that he has something to hide, their best bet seems to be Dr. Henry Guthrie (Ralph Fiennes) – driven, uncompromising, and recently returned from a career in Germany.

As conscription papers start to arrive, the whole community discovers that the best response to the chaos that is laying waste to their lives is to make music together.

Directed by BAFTA, Olivier and Tony Award winner Nicholas Hytner (The Crucible) and written by BAFTA, Olivier and Tony Award winner Alan Bennett, The Choral marks their fourth writer-director collaboration following the acclaimed films The Madness of King George, The History Boys, and The Lady in The Van.

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