What happens when several thousand people are stranded at a small Canadian airport, nearly doubling the population of Gander, the local town?

Come From Away tells this story, reflecting tales of human generosity, kindness and solidarity in the wake of great tragedy. The plot is based on a true event; when air traffic was diverted following the 9/11 terrorist attacks in 2001, nearly 40 planes were grounded at an airport in Newfoundland. The local residents joined forces to take care of the passengers, providing accommodation, food and comfort for this temporarily marooned population.

By focusing on the goodness of ordinary folk, husband & wife writing team David Hein and Irene Sankoff have turned this event into a charming and captivating musical. The passengers on the planes could not access their luggage, so donations of clothes, bedding and other necessities poured in to help. The shelves of the local shops emptied as meals were provided, and emotional support was offered to people from all over the world who found themselves far from home and reeling from the impact of the tragic events that had brought about their situation.

This is a supremely inventive and creative show which, at the end of its opening night in Wolverhampton, was met by a well-deserved standing ovation. A cast of 12 actors play multiple roles, aided by clever and inventive use of different costumes - in most cases merely changes of hats and coats. The ensemble is on stage throughout, each actor seamlessly shifting from main character to background as required. Simple but imaginative use of props change the scene (some slick table-and-chair-ography, for example, recreates the interior of planes, buses, a café and the mayor’s office) and the fact that the band is on stage alongside the actors serves to emphasise the feeling of community that develops.

It is the human stories, however, which stand out. An eclectic mix of characters, brought together by the most tragic of circumstances, quickly form friendships and bonds that might last a lifetime (we learn at the end of this show that a 10-year reunion brought visitors and townspeople together again). This is a truly captivating spectacle. If pushed to name a highlight, one might pick the cheerful, childish romp that is Screech In, where wannabe Newfoundlanders prove their worth by drinking rum and kissing a fish, but Come From Away is a continuous, faultless string of strong performances and memorable musical numbers. It seems wrong to single out any individuals; from the feisty Beverley (Sara Poyzer), the first female American Airlines captain, to the resourceful mayor of Gander (Nicholas Pound), all have a compelling tale to tell.

It is no surprise that Come From Away has won four Olivier Awards (including Best New Musical in London) and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway. This portrayal of a barely credible story is a joyful celebration of the best of human nature. A truly uplifting and heart-warming experience, the show is bound to thaw even the most frozen of hearts.

Five stars

Come From Away was reviewed by Rachel Smith on Tuesday 5 November at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, where it shows until Saturday 9 November

5 Stars on Wed, 06 Nov 2024

Set in Gander, a small town in the far north Canadian province of Newfoundland & Labrador, Come From Away tells the remarkable story of what happened to almost 7,000 air passengers in the aftermath of 9/11.
Having debuted on Broadway in 2017, and then in the West End two years later, this critically acclaimed Olivier and Tony award-winning musical is currently touring the UK and has begun its two-week stay at Birmingham Hippodrome.

Following the 9/11 terrorist attack in 2001, airspace was closed. Passengers from 38 planes found themselves stranded in Gander, nearly doubling the town’s population overnight. For the next five days, the locals came together to house, feed and care for their traumatised and unexpected visitors, looking after them until it was safe to fly back into American airspace. 

The passengers were overwhelmed by the generosity of their hosts, who willingly gave them everything that they needed without asking for anything in return. The people of Gander called their guests the ‘Come From Aways’ - hence the show’s seemingly strange title.

Although the harrowing events surrounding 9/11 are far from ideal material for a musical, this particular story is truly amazing. It is here brilliantly retold through music, song and drama, beautifully showcasing the best in humanity at the worst of times.

There are no big sets, special effects or elaborate costumes. The set design is a timber wall within a forest of trees. There is little scenery, no stage changes, a small cast and no interval in the near-two-hour show. Choreography is simple but effective, with clever lighting. Tables and chairs are used to set the different scenes, creating practically everything from a bar to a plane.

The show’s 12 actors are all exceptional. Each has a strong solo voice - and when singing together, they create great harmonies. They also interchange seamlessly between characters, helping to represent the stories of the townsfolk and the stranded passengers by using simple props such as hats and outer clothing. There’s an eight-piece band situated on stage with them, providing uplifting and toe-tapping folk-rock-style music throughout the show.

One of the most powerful pieces of theatre I’ve seen, Come From Away boasts a gripping and easy-to-follow storyline and some really great music. Emotional and inspiring, it will lift your heart and restore your faith in humanity. Yes, of course there are sombre, tearful scenes, but these are balanced by great humour and laugh-out-loud moments. To coin a phrase, I’d see the show again tomorrow, and judging by last night’s loud and enthusiastic standing ovation, the rest of the audience enjoyed the production every bit as much as I did! If you love musicals and haven’t seen this yet, bag a ticket now. 

Come From Away was reviewed by Sue Hull on Tuesday 21 May at Birmingham Hippodrome, where it shows until Saturday 1 June. It returns to the Midlands later this year when it shows at Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Tuesday 5 - Saturday 9 November.

5 Stars on Tue, 21 May 2024