Come From Away (UK Tour)
Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Directed by Christopher Ashley
The King's Theatre, Glasgow | 24 September 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What is 'Come From Away' about?
Welcome to the rock! Gander, Newfoundland to be exact. A small, remote community on the very eastern edge of Canada, in the wild Atlantic Ocean. In 2001 Gander had a population of fewer than ten thousand people. But when the awful events of 9/11 closed the airspace over North America, more than 40 planes were diverted to Gander airport and the town's population almost doubled overnight.
Passengers, pilots, pets - the reception these frightened and disoriented evacuees received from the people of Gander in the following days is inspirational. This musical is based on the true stories of some the stranded 'Come From Aways' as well as the local Newfoundlanders who welcomed them into their homes. Despite the horrific tragedy that brought them together, their story is one of fortitude and kindness. 'Come From Away' is one of the most beautiful pieces of theatre I've ever seen; It will restore your faith in humanity.
Since its debut production in 2015, Come From Away has played on Broadway, in London's West End and on major tours across the world. The musical has won four Olivier Awards, including Best New Musical in London, as well as the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway. Now on it's first ever UK Tour, Come From Away has landed in Glasgow.
'Come From Away' has relatively simple staging: The company, the musicians and a handful of chairs are all that are needed to tell this story. But it's all beautifully lit, expertly directed and choreographed. The main cast all play multiple characters; and with just the change of a jacket or the swift addition of a hat, they transform into the many passengers and residents who stories we are privileged to share.
The onstage musicians are superb, and their uplifting music blends together a mix of modern musical theatre styles with traditional Newfoundland Celtic folk music. Standout songs 'Welcome to the Rock' and '38 Planes / Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere' are truly unforgettable. You'll be singing them all the way home. But it's the phenomenal 'Me and the Sky' that has my vote for one of the best songs in musical theatre. Ever! Telling the story of Beverly Bass (here played by the wonderful Sara Poyzer), the first female American Pilot in History, 'Me and the Sky' is a soaring, stirring, devastating piece of storytelling through song. It never fails to make me sob.
First conceived when writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein visited Gander on the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy, 'Come From Away' hits harder because it features real people and their real life experiences. From the town mayor, to the mother of a New York firefighter, to a rookie local news reporter who finds herself the only media in the middle of the biggest story on the planet, 'Come From Away' takes a varied and often surprisingly humorous look at humanity.
I first saw 'Come From Away' in London in 2019 and it's been a long five years since. I was worried that I'd over-hyped it in my head, and I was concerned that the UK tour wouldn't live up to the brilliance of the West End show. But it absolutely does. It's just as beautiful and life-affirming as I remember. I got goosebumps within 10 seconds of 'Welcome to the Rock' starting, and I cried through the final 30 minutes. 'Come From Away' is a musical theatre masterpiece and a joyous celebration of hope. Don't miss it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Come From Away is at The King's Theatre, Glasgow from Tues 24 to Sat 28 September 2024. | Jump to tour listings & tickets
📸 production photos: Craig Sugden
Come From Away Cast
Natasha J Barnes Janice & others*
Daniel Crowder Nick, Doug & others
Mark Dugdale Kevin T, Garth & others
Rosie Glossop Bonnie & others
Amanda Henderson Beulah & others
Kirsty Hoiles Diane & others
Oliver Jacobson Oz & others
Dale Mathurin Bob & others
Nicholas Pound Claude & others
Sara Poyzer Beverley, Annette & others
Bree Smith Hannah & others
Jamal Zulfiqar Kevin J, Ali & others
Standby's
Angeline Bell (Dance Captain), Holly Ann Butler, Daniel Cane, Ashleigh Harvey*, Alyn Hawke (Resident Director), Kathryn Pemberton, Kevin Yates.
*At the performance I saw on Tuesday 24th September 2024 at Glasgow King's Theatre, Janice was played by Ashleigh Harvey.
Come From Away tickets
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Come From Away is at The King's Theatre Glasgow NOW from Tues 24 to Sat 28 September 2024.
King's Theatre, Glasgow
24 - 28 September 2024 | atg.com/Glasgow
⚠️ Age guidance: 10+
Running time: 1 hour 40 minutes with no interval
Come From Away returns to London for one week only!
Tues 8 - Sat 12 October 2024 | New Wimbledon Theatre
includes a new performance added due to popular demand: Fri 11 Oct, 2.30pm
What's on Glasgow Theatre
➡️ What's on in Glasgow theatres this month, September 2024: https://www.lisainthetheatre.com/post/whats-on-glasgow-theatre-september-2024
➡️ Coming soon to Glasgow King's Theatre: 101 Dalmatians, Bat Out of Hell, Dear Evan Hansen and Tina!
➡️ Coming soon to The Theatre Royal, Glasgow: Only fools and Horses the musical, Disney's Aladdin, SIX, War Horse and Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake!
Newly announced and on sale now at Edinburgh Playhouse
Come From Away review, Glasgow, UK Tour, Gander, Newfoundland, 9/11 musical, Glasgow King's Theatre, new London date!
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🎟️ Disclosure: I was invited to review this show and received a complimentary ticket in exchange. Neither the venue nor show has a say in what I write. I'm completely independent and invites have no impact on my analysis or star ratings.
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