Review: Come From Away at Newcastle Theatre Royal

Review by Aaron Whittington

Welcome to the rock if you come from away, This show had the fastest standing ovation I have seen at a show ever, and understandably so. I witnessed a show that recognised the generosity and kindness of a town thrown into chaos with the diversion of 38 planes to Gander Newfoundland, Canada, on that fateful day that changed history, September 11th 2001.

A cast of twelve who are precise, sharp, choreographed to perfection, who through a underlying story of devastation shone a light for these thousands of passengers on the darkest day in recent history and how they were welcomed and looked after no questions with empathy, humour and unwavering kindness.

This smash hit show shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives with open hearts.

Already a winner of four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical in London and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway, I was excited to see this show come to the Newcastle Theatre Royal as I have only ever heard great things about it and people who have had repeat visits to see it in London. We were supposed to originally see this last Wednesday however due to the planned protests in Newcastle city centre, for safety reasons got cancelled. Very apt considering we then also saw a gathering of a local community coming together to support those victims and targets of planned racial protests.

As I mention in the opening paragraph ultimately this show is about one of the darkest days in modern history, and with that made this show quite emotional for me. This isn’t fiction, this was a true story, but the best of stories there could be. In a time where people scared and worried, where the worst of humanity caused this to happen, we also saw the best of humanity coming together, a community of Newfoundlanders welcoming pretty much its entire population in and showing these ‘come from aways; the ultimate showing of generosity and friendship.

We focus on multiple characters and the twelve actors on stage transition brilliantly and skillfully switching between different roles, ranging from Gander residents to stranded airline passengers. The actors’ chemistry and cohesion as an ensemble enhance the storytelling, making each performance feel both dynamic and heartfelt.

I wouldn’t want to pick out a specific performance or highlight a particular actor as I think everyone on stage plays an equally important part and all do it fantastically. Without the collective this show wouldn’t work or have the impact it does. Together the cast are sublime.

One of the central characters is Beverley Bass (Sarah Poyzers), embodies the strength and resilience of the first female captain for American Airlines. Her solo number, “Me and the Sky,” is a powerful moment in the show, showcasing her character’s journey and the challenges faced by women in aviation.

Claude Elliott(Nicholas Pound), the mayor of Gander, portrayed with warmth and authority as he led the town’s response to the crisis. Bonnie Harris (Rosie Glossop) is an animal shelter worker in Gander who is concerned about the animals left on the grounded planes. Her determination and empathy drive her to ensure that these animals are cared for, highlighting the broader theme of compassion that runs through the show.

Nick Marson (Daniel Crowder|) and Diane Gray (Kirsty Hoiles) are two passengers from different flights who meet in Gander ans who develop a romantic relationship during their unexpected stay. Nick, a British oil engineer, and Diane an American divorcee. Their budding romance offers a hopeful and uplifting counterpoint to the chaos of the events surrounding them, illustrating how connections can form even in the most unlikely circumstances.

Kevin Tuerff (Mark Dugdale) and Kevin Jung (Jamal Zulfiqar) are a gay couple known as ‘The Kevins’. Their story explores themes of acceptance, understanding, and the strains that external pressures can place on personal relationships. Luckily, despite reservations they find themselves in the gayest place they could be. I found a lot of the humour came from these two in the show.

Ali (also Jamal Zulfiqar) is a Muslim passenger who faces suspicion and prejudice from some fellow passengers in the aftermath of the attacks. We see the isolation and suspicion he experiences straight after the events and upon leaving Newfoundland. I dont feel we saw as much as we could have but he reminded us all of the troubles and accusations faced as a member of the Muslim community.

Beulah Davis (Amanda Henderson) is a teacher in Gander who becomes a key figure in organising the town’s efforts to help the stranded passengers. She forms a close friendship with Hannah, offering support and embodying the spirit of generosity that characterised the community’s response.

Hannah O’Rourke (Bree Smith), a passenger desperately trying to reach her firefighter son in New York City. Her story is one of emotional struggle and hope, showcasing the support and empathy she receives from the Gander community during her time of need.

Bob (Dale Mathurin) is initially suspicious and apprehensive about the unfamiliar surroundings and people in Gander. He worries about the people around him and his wallet being taken and by the end is drinking their whiskey and taking bbq’s from peoples yards.

Janice Mosher (Natasha J. Barnes) a young reporter in Gander is experiencing her first major news story. Her story explores the challenges of capturing and reporting the unfolding events and the emotional impact of witnessing the community’s remarkable response to the crisis.

Oz Fudge (Alyn Hawke) is a local Gander police officer who is deeply involved in the efforts to care for and manage the 7,000 stranded passengers. His character represents the law enforcement and safety personnel who worked tirelessly to ensure the security and well-being of both the residents and the unexpected guests during this unprecedented situation.

These characters, each with their unique stories and perspectives, come together to create a powerful narrative in “Come From Away.” The musical celebrates human connection, resilience, and the extraordinary acts of kindness that emerged from a time of unprecedented crisis.

The positioning of chairs and quick changes of characters have us in no doubt who we are watching or the location of the scene. For what is a simple set, it delivers transitions effectively well. The spotting on characters to is also something we must commend, carried out with precision.

The music in “Come From Away” is heavily influenced by Celtic and folk traditions, reflecting the cultural heritage of Newfoundland and adding authenticity to the setting. The score incorporates traditional instruments such as the fiddle, bodhrán (a type of Irish drum), accordion, and uilleann pipes, which create a lively and distinctive sound that is both engaging and evocative. The upbeat, toe-tapping tunes capture the spirit and resilience of the Gander community, while more reflective songs underscore the emotional depth of the characters’ experiences. I’m glad to see also that the musicians got there moment on stage and recognition too!

The show ran straight through not allowing an interval. You are immersed and on the journey with them all. The intensity and passion sits with you throughout. This show took me through a range of emotions and I wont lie to shedding a tear through it either.

Come the end, the auditorium was on its feet in seconds, in recognition of the show and performances witnessed. I have also read other reviews prior and this audience reaction is common. It has a limited amount of time left here in Newcastle, so come from away and grab a ticket if you can.

Come From Away plays at Newcastle Theatre Royal until Saturday 17 Aug 2024. Tickets can be purchased at www.theatreroyal.co.uk or from the Theatre Royal Box Office on 0191 232 7010.