Come From Away, UK Tour Review

Reviews

2 Oct

`The cast of Come From Away UK and Ireland tour. Photo credit Craig Sugden`

Written by Eliott and Emmie for Theatre & Tonic

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review.

Since it closed in the West End in January 2023, there has been a void left by this musical. Now embarking on its first ever UK & Ireland tour, Come From Away invites audiences old and new to embrace this wholesome production whilst they can.

Set in 2001, Come From Away tells the true story of the 7,000 stranded passengers and the small Canadian town in Newfoundland that welcomed them in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. In a production that spans 100 minutes, it takes on the themes of kindness, unity, and resilience as it portrays how the community of Gander rallied together to provide shelter, food and comfort to the unexpected visitors. The reality and rarity of a musical like this is unique, resulting in an explosion of every emotion you experience during this show. You’ll laugh at its sharp wit, tap your foot along to the joyous music before wiping away tears. Come From Away celebrates the power of human communication in times of crisis and highlights the profound acts of generosity and compassion. Seeing this musical couldn’t come at a more important time when society seems more divided than ever and will certainly leave you feeling inspired.

Come From Away is a show that gets everything right, could we even boldy say that it's perfect? The cast of twelve all play multiple roles in this show. Did you know eighty-four characters are portrayed in the show altogether? Each of them does an effortless job at transiting between their multiple roles, with pieces of clothing playing a part in helping them achieve this. Not only that but each character also helps in narrating the story, after all everyone has their own experience of what happened in Gander to share and Come From Away enables that to really have a huge part in its storyline.

Natasha J Barnes, Daniel Crowder, Mark Dugdale, Rosie Glossop, Amanda Henderson, Kirsty Holies, Oliver Jacobson, Dale Mathurin, Nicholas Pound, Sara Poyzer, Bree Smith, Jamal Zulfiqar are a collective of breathtaking performers who honour and respect the real come from aways. There’s Nick, a single British businessman who meets and falls in love with a woman called Diane during their time in Gander. Beulah Davis, a schoolteacher in Gander who bonds with and provides support to Hannah, a plane passenger who anxiously waits to hear from her son in New York. The character which is the most stark is Ali, an Egyptian Muslim chef. Played by Jamal Zulfiqar, Ali is a character who encounters Islamophobic discrimination. A problem which was seeded during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, however uncomfortably, still feels relevant over 20 years later. Sara Poyzer takes on Beverley Bass, the first female pilot to be named a captain by American Airlines. Poyzer is a master of her craft, particularly when we see her give a heartfelt rendition of ‘Me And The Sky’ which feels unique from the others.

Another important element of this show is the band, who deliver the euphoric sound that Come From Away is recognised for with its blend of traditional musical theatre styles as well as the traditional Newfoundland orchestrations that leave you in awe. Andrew Corcoran directs the band of 8 musicians, who embed themselves in parts of the production onstage too. Howell Binkley’s lighting design has some unforgettable moments that roots itself into this beautiful relationship with the music that injects depth and sentiment.

In a world that presents a lot of unpredictability and anxieties, Come From Away is the perfect remedy to leave these at the door. It reminds us that there is still an opportunity for hope to be discovered, where the people in these stories will leave a lasting mark on you long after you’ve left the theatre. Be inspired, moved, and influenced to be kinder. Come From Away is going to be one of the most inspiring pieces of theatre you’ll see this year, I promise you.

Come From Away UK Tour runs until January 2025. Book your tickets now!