Review: Come From Away

Review: Come From Away

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Lowry, Salford 03-12-24 by Tiffany Chevis

Off the northeast tip of North America, on an island called Newfoundland, there’s an airport. Next to that airport is a town, called Gander.
It is this airport that would receive nearly 40 planes, diverted after the events in New York in September 2001, and is the setting for an astonishing story of grief, gratitude, camaraderie, and coming together.

Nearly ten years after its first professional staging, Come From Away is at the Lowry in Manchester for an extended run under Christopher Ashley’s direction, and is as incredible as ever. A poignant and captivating whirlwind covering the five days after the events of 9/11, in which nearly 7,000 people from around the world were gathered up by the remarkable residents of a tiny but big-hearted community.

Whilst the world reeled, the citizens of Gander and surrounding towns – totalling only 10,000 people themselves – rallied to give practical, emotional, and spiritual support to the ‘come from aways’.  The music by Irene Sankoff and David Hein (along with book and lyrics) reflects the strong Irish influence on the island, beating a stirring rhythm that gets under your skin, and showcases the true melting pot of culture that already existed and was further seasoned during that unprecedented week.

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With an on-stage band (musical direction by Andrew Corcoran) and a twelve-strong cast depicting multiple characters, the production surges with an energy that sweeps the audience along with a sense of living every minute in real-time.

The accounts of real passengers, either in full or combining a few together, demonstrate the lived responses to inexplicable tragedy, as well as exceptional kindness. Each is performed with strength and sensitivity; every time I see it, I feel a connection with someone different.

As Hannah (Bree Smith) desperately seeks word of her firefighter son, she finds the friendship of Beulah (Amanda Henderson). I Am Here is a mother’s heartfelt plea; despite the warmth of those around her, it is a moment of isolation that is heartbreaking.

The meet-cute of Nick and Diane (Daniel Crowder and Kirsty Hoiles) brings a sweetness and hope, Stop the World expressing how even in moments of darkness, you can find some light and want time to stand still.

The two Kevins (Jamal Zulfiqar and Mark Dugdale), who cope with the events in very different ways, are recognisable to anyone in a relationship with their opposite, for better or for worse.

Zulfiqar also depicts Ali, an Egyptian chef who has to navigate his own fear alongside the growing distrust of those around him. In Prayer, all cultures that find themselves thrust together are intertwined in a melodic embrace, a powerfully necessary reminder of the humanity that joins us all.

Sarah Poyzer performs one of the show’s most well-known stories as Captain Beverley Bass, as she comes to terms with the impact of events on the profession she has loved. No matter how many times I hear Me and the Sky, it is always equal parts inspiring and devastating.

Despite its incredibly emotional subject matter, Come From Away isn’t a heavy show – as in life, there are moments of humour and joy, which makes it all the richer. 28 Hours Wherever We Are is the passenger’s descent into giddy chaos after being stuck for hours on the tarmac. Screech In, where visitors are inducted into the Gander community through a lot of booze, and questionable signs of affection, makes you want to get out of your seat and join them in the bar.

Whether it’s your first time in Gander, or you’re part of the family, the draw across the ocean into the welcoming arms of the townspeople will have you laughing, crying, tapping your feet, and marvelling at the resilience we have in the face of unimaginable adversity. A theme that is always important, and never ceases to inspire.

Get more details from the official site HERE