The ultimate history buff show. If you love the intricate details of tragedies past— especially when told from an individual’s own perspective— you will certainly enjoy Fly Boy: From There and Back Again.

Told by Devon Tayler, this show details the experiences of her father, John Edward Tayler before and during the Second World War. Backed by a magnificent set, Devon acts as the mouthpiece for various letters sent to and from her father, filling in the empty moments with her own script. One of the best elements of this show was the way progression within John’s story was displayed through hanging outfits. This shifting backdrop acts as the eye candy of the show— something to scour as Devon tells the story of her father.

The power of this story cannot be denied. It is one of survival and resilience unlike anything most Canadians will ever experience and a testament to the perseverance of human kind. However, I found myself most engaged by the moments Devon strayed from her father’s story towards experiences more personal to herself. Her brief recollection of doing commando training with her father was a highlight within the greater presentation. Someone more in tune with the events of history would most likely be more enthralled by John Edward Tayler’s experiences than I was, so my qualms with the engagement of the show probably stem from a general disinterest in history. Still, Fly Boy: From There and Back Again could be served by creating a more engaging atmosphere.

This show was not for me, but that does not mean you should pass on it! Fly Boy: From There and Back Again is a beautiful tale of humanity in the face of the least humane and will be completely satisfactory for anyone with a deep interest in history.