Holes by Leicester Drama Society Review
Written by Hollie for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
This production contains: Adult themes including strong language, alcohol abuse, death and loss, sexual assault (implied), mental health issues and additional distressing themes.
Written by Tom Basden and directed in this instance by Ed Turner ‘Holes’ is a thought-provoking and hilarious comedy. This ‘lost on a desert island’ tale feels incredibly timely in 2025, as it no longer seems so unrealistic. In recent years, films and shows such as ‘Lost’ and ‘Castaway’ have been popular with audiences across the globe, and this production, with its similar themes and plot, is providing Leicester audiences with the same feelings of helplessness, mystery and despair.
What would you do if your aeroplane crashed mid-flight onto a desert island? Would you be distraught? In shock? Make a plan or start scavenging for food? Each character in the show explores these ideas. As an audience member, it was easy to relate to the characters on stage and begin to think about what I would do in that situation.
Molly Georgina plays the damsel in distress, Marie, who is incredibly witty with her one liners and outrageous demands. Molly’s camaraderie with fellow actor Dan Rowberry who plays Ian, is natural and well rehearsed. Dan’s acting skills provide audiences with a vision of the person they think Ian might be but with depth and humour throughout the show.
Sitting on the sand in shock is Erin, played by Phoenix Brooks-Vargas, who is both shy but determined and feisty at the same time. Phoenix was able to bring a relatable but also adaptable character onto the stage in this production.
Thousands of miles away from his wife and children is Gus (short for Angus, obviously) who is played by Thomas Bates, an actor early in his career. Thomas was in fact my favourite actor in the show. He brought quick one liners, questions and honest comments to the forefront of the stage and his development in character throughout the show was excellent.
Marie, Gus and Ian work for the same company and are late for their very important conference. Is a plane crash on a deserted island the best excuse ever? What will happen to the trio and how will Erin integrate herself into the group dynamics?
Holes felt incredibly well rehearsed and natural between the small cast, and the intimate stage allowed the audience to feel truly immersed and focused on the story and the actors as opposed to elaborate settings and props.
This was not the show that I thought I was going to see due to the show having the same name as Louis Sachar’s famous novel, but I was pleasantly surprised, and I can see why this play is sold out for the rest of its run.
Future shows at Leicester’s Little Theatre in the run-up to Christmas include ‘Things I Know To Be True’, which runs from 10th November until 15th November 2025 and ‘Hairspray’, which runs from the 18th November until 22nd November.
★ ★ ★ ★
