Making the four-hour trek from Melbourne to Warrnambool felt like coming home—because when Holiday Actors celebrates 40 years, it’s more than just a show. It’s a reunion. A legacy. A love letter to the power of youth theatre, community, and the generations of performers who have taken their first, or most cherished, steps onstage with this remarkable company. Their anniversary production of Come From Away at the Lighthouse Theatre was a triumph—bold, beautiful, and bursting with heart.

I was lucky enough to see the Blue Cast perform, and from the very first beat of “Welcome to the Rock,” the energy in the room was electric. The cast—comprised not only of this year’s talented performers but joined by Holiday Actors alumni from years past—gave a performance that was moving, masterful, and deeply rooted in love. The story of kindness and connection in the face of crisis was amplified tenfold by the knowledge that this production itself was built on decades of relationships, memories, and shared passion for the stage.

A standout performance came from Maja Pearson, whose portrayal of Diane was heartfelt and utterly believable. She brought warmth, humour, and vulnerability to the role, grounding the character’s emotional journey in truth. Angela Kenna, as Beverley, delivered a powerhouse performance of “Me and the Sky” that left the audience in awe—her voice soaring with both strength and grace. Together, they anchored the show with maturity and emotional depth well beyond their years.

The music, too, was a triumph. Special mention must go to Katie Ezzy on the fiddle, who played with such precision, passion, and flair that her solos felt like characters in their own right. The live band—featuring both alumni and current musicians—was an essential heartbeat of the production, and Katie’s musicianship elevated the storytelling in every moment she played.

The ensemble work was equally strong. Every performer brought nuance to their roles, seamlessly shifting between characters and accents with clarity and care. The staging was clean and clever, allowing the story to unfold fluidly, while the lighting and sound created an atmosphere that pulled us straight into the heart of Gander.

But beyond the technical excellence, what made this production truly special was the community behind it. You could feel it in the room—the shared pride, the knowing glances between returning cast members, the emotion of alumni watching from the audience, seeing the next generation take the stage. In the foyer after the show, old friends reunited, parents beamed, and memories of past productions echoed warmly through every conversation.

Come From Away was the perfect choice for this milestone year: a story about strangers becoming family, about generosity, and about finding joy and hope in the most unlikely of circumstances. Just like Holiday Actors has done for 40 years.

Here’s to the next 40—and to every young performer who finds their light, their voice, and their belonging under the Holiday Actors banner.