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