Come From Away at The Little Theatre, Leicester Review
Photo by Poyner&Mee Photography
Written by Hollie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Since 1955, The IDOLS have provided the Leicester community with plays, productions, and musicals. After their first show, 'The Pirates in Penzance,' the ensemble, made up of hospital staff from Leicester's Royal Infirmary, decided to form a committee and perform shows each Autumn for the citizens of Leicester to enjoy.
Come from Away is their final show after 70 years of making audiences laugh, cry and want to visit the theatre again. The IDOLS are the first amateur group to perform this show in Leicestershire, and they feel incredibly proud to have that opportunity as their final show.
Audience members arrived in the auditorium and were met by a detailed set that included trees, woodland, and carefully placed chairs. The scenery was effective in setting the scene for this emotive and reflective musical.
Set in Gander in Newfoundland, Canada, this musical is based on the 7000 people who were displaced as a result of the decision to ground all flights around the world, after the planes hit the twin towers on Tuesday, 11th September 2001. Confusion, worry and rumours began as 38 planes landed in the small town of Gander.
The cast of IDOLS members, past and present, tell the tale through music and dialogue as a state of emergency is declared across the United States. The group quickly work together as a team and a community to help the displaced people and animals.
Without phones to contact their loved ones back at home, the 'plane people' become lost and distraught as they wonder who is safe and who isn't.
The actors play a range of characters throughout the show as the perspectives of the plane passengers and the townspeople in Gander are explored. Joshua Taylor-Williams, in his various roles, adds energy and a fresh perspective to the events that take place. Norman Buckby is incredibly funny and puts smiles on our faces throughout the show, particularly towards the end when his life starts to change.
Dan Brewer plays a range of fantastic characters, but in one of his roles, he tells the story of the only Egyptian on the flight, who is subject to stereotypical views by the air cabin crew and fellow plane passengers.
This musical is a delight as it cleverly tells the emotive true story while being humorous in places. However, as I have seen in other retellings of this musical, I would have liked a little more humour to lighten the show up. The IDOLS group was incredibly well rehearsed, and the live band was excellent.
There were some sound issues during the performance, which altered my experience of the show. All in all, this was a great performance that showcased the love, friendship, sense of community, and joy that the people of Gander felt during a difficult time.
I wish the members of The IDOLS all the best in the future, and I hope to see some of the actors in other theatres within the area.
This production of 'Come from Away' and The IDOLS final show after 70 years continues at Leicester's Little Theatre until Saturday, 18th October 2025.
★★★★
