“Once, not long ago, a group of musicians came to Israel from Egypt. You probably didn’t hear about it. It wasn’t very important.”

...is the projected message on the back wall of the Donmar stage before The Band's Visit begins and explores just this. Something that altogether isn't important; a pronunciation mix-up leads a group of musicians to the self-proclaimed middle of nowhere where they stay the night before getting the bus back to where they should be. The story is nothing but a detour, but one that allows for endless exploration of how impactful music can be.

The Donmar makes for the perfect place to stage this six-time Tony award-winning musical, with the small and intimate setting allowing the audience to feel as if they are the only people in the room being sung to. You can look into the souls of the characters as they are laid bare in front of you. There's no set to hide behind... Designer Soutra Gilmour has created a space in which the true nature of character can be explored.

While there is little to no plot, what still manages to fill the show with wonder are the little moments that make life special. There are scenes such as one featuring the song ‘Beat Of Your Heart’ where Avrum (Peter Polycarpou) tells the story of how he met his wife through musical metaphors. It's an honest, down to earth moment of pure joy that you can't help but smile at as you watch.

The titular ‘Band's Visit’ disrupts the town's routine in various ways whether it be humorous or emotional, the full spectrum of emotion is on display. The main through line being Tewfiq and Dina (Alon Moni Aboutboul & Miri Mesika respectively) getting to know one another and going from stranger to friend. It's a slow burn but worth it when it results in moments such as ‘Omar Sharif’.

In what can only be described as pure and assured talent, Mesika's soul flows through the theatre and swirls around you as if she is speaking directly to you. The music and the moment washes over you and you breathe in unison with the audience. The same scene also contains an extended moment of pure silence as Tewfiq demonstrates how to feels to conduct his band; this is respected by the audience and is one that unites. Across the many differences we all face, it proves there's always something we can come together on... music.

And the music of this show is a character in and of itself. Written by David Yazbek in an authentic style, it fills the space with wonder and finishes the transportation to the Middle East. The actor-muso cast bring the score to vibrant life with enthusiastic interludes of pure unified music. It is a true holistic musical, not just a collection of songs. The uninterrupted one act really benefits this and allows you to follow and keep track of the musical relationships with the characters.

As transfers go, The Band's Visit has benefited from scaling back to make its home at the Donmar. It's a beautiful show and one we'd recommend for a moment to breathe, to escape into something where there's no pressure to do anything but enjoy and get lost in something quite beautiful.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Callum Wallace

The Band’s Visit plays at the Donmar Warehouse until 3 December, with tickets available here.