Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come From Away is an unmissable tour de force of a musical, that got a standing ovation quicker than you can say ‘Newfoundland!’ at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre.
Come From Away centres around the remarkable true story that took place on September 11, 2001, and the days that followed.
Following the tragic events of 9/11, 38 planes were diverted to the small Canadian town of Gander, located off the Newfoundland coast.
7,000 strangers from across the globe were stranded for five days on the island – whilst the 10,000 inhabitants of Newfoundland housed, cooked, and cared for the helpless travellers, before it was safe to fly back into American airspace.
Having debuted on Broadway in 2017 and then the West End in 2019, the musical has garnered praise everywhere it’s been – notching both Tony and Olivier Awards, including the Olivier Award for Best New Musical.
READ MORE: Mayflower Theatre food bank drive during Come From Away
Now embarking on its first UK tour, the musical is perfectly cast with the likes of Nicholas Pound, Sara Poyzer, and Kirsty Hoiles – with the latter two cast members having both appeared in the theatre production of Mamma Mia!
Come From Away features toe tapping musical numbers – opening with ‘Welcome To The Rock’ – you’d initially be forgiven for thinking you were watching a sea shanty group, but the positive energy from the cast reverberates to the audience, who quickly knew they were in for a classic at Come From Away’s opening night performance in Southampton.
Given the overhanging subject matter of the story is a result of one of the 21st century’s most devastating days, the musical is surprisingly uplifting with genuine laugh out loud moments.
The songs and characters stay with you long after the curtain falls down on a spectacular musical, that zips along at one hour and 45 minutes – which doesn’t include an interval.
Not a particularly large-scale production – when compared with the ever-changing sets of Les Misérables or The King and I – Come From Away matches the very best musicals with its showcase of the human spirit.
As well as the show’s opening night, the Mayflower Theatre also shone a light on its Food Bank Drive, with non-perishable food donations going to Feed the Community Foodbank in the city.
Come From Away runs at The Mayflower Theatre until Saturday, April 20.
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