'I'm ready for the challenge': This Traitors star from Leeds is swapping TV for the theatre

Theo Mayne, who starred in the first series of BBC’s The Traitors will perform in Come From Away at the Grand Opera House in York from April 10-18.

The musical is based on the true story of thousands of plane passengers who became stranded in the small town in Newfoundland, Canada, during the wake of 9/11.

Theo sees Come From Away as a show which showcases the best of humanity, and this is why he wanted to be involved in the project.

“The world at the moment is a very dark place and this musical is obviously about a dark time in American history,” Theo told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

“7,000 people got grounded in Newfoundland and the kindness and generosity of people there who provided food and shelter for random people they’ve never met is such a powerful story.

“I wanted to be part of that and show that there are still positive people in the world.”

In Come From Away tradition, actors in this production play multiple roles, and Theo will play cynical New Yorker Bob, seasoned pilot Captain Bristol, and Muhumuza, an African passenger struggling against a language barrier.

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Balancing three roles is a tough task, especially because it requires Theo to perform in three different accents. However, the reality TV star said that he and his castmates are prepared for this difficulty.

“It’s a challenge, but it’s a challenge I’m ready to take on.

“In rehearsals it’s been magical to watch each other transform into all these different characters.”

As the founder and head coach of Leeds cheerleading club Mayne Allstars, Theo is no stranger to performing.

The 30-year-old has also been an avid fan of musical theatre since his youth and performed in productions including Priscilla Queen of the Desert and West Side Story, alongside well-known pantomimes such as Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk.

Theo first appeared on TV on the first series of smash-hit reality show The Traitors in 2022.

However, while reality TV simply required Theo to be himself, acting in Come From Away adds a greater pressure as he has to step into another character.

“In reality TV you just have to be who you are as a person but in theatre you’re stepping into somebody’s character and you’ve got to do it justice for the audience and the people who wrote the script,” Theo said.

“There’s a lot of pressure on your shoulders.”

Nevertheless, Theo is excited to get on stage and be part of Come From Away which has never previously been performed in York.

He hopes the musical will remind audiences that “the kindness of humanity can overpower anything”.

Theo said: “There’s some moments that make you cry and some moments that make you giggle - it’s a roller coaster of emotions.

“If people want escapism and to see how people can overcome a dark time in their life, this is the musical for them.”

Come From Away will perform at the Grand Opera House in York from April 10-18. To find out more and buy tickets, visit the York Theatre website.