Come From Away

THE
STORY

Come From Away West End

Theatre
Phoenix Theatre
Duration
100 minutes
Age Restrictions
10+ years

“Welcome to the Rock,” sing the residents of Gander, Newfoundland – a tiny town on an island off the north-eastern coast of Canada. It’s home to some 10,000 people and one rundown, oversized airport that once served as a stopover point for transatlantic flights to refuel. That’s why, one autumn morning in 2001, Gander’s population briefly doubled as its residents rushed to the rescue in the middle of a major international incident.

Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s buoyant musical retells the true story of the town that opened its doors – and its hearts – to the thousands of flyers stranded mid-flight on September 11^th2001. When American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 tore into the World Trade Centre that morning, 38 planes and their 7000-odd passengers were grounded in Gander. Under the orchestration of mayor Claude Elliot, local residents were left to organise an impromptu aid effort – setting up shelters, donating supplies and cooking up a catering line.

It’s a heart-soaring story, but in Sankoff and Hein’s hands, a considered one too – a reminder not only of the humanity that counterbalances tragedy, but also of the way the world changed that day. Oblivious passengers stuck on their planes initially pass round the miniatures and party, but as the horror of history dawns on them fully, things change. Tensions erupt as one Eygptian passenger seeks a place for morning prayers, a mark of how speedily suspicion set in, and pilots and passengers alike desperately try to reach their families back home. In the midst of events, two strangers sat next to each other strike up an improbable friendship – maybe something more.

Charged with the Irish-Canadian twang of Gander’s own musical style, there’s a surging, spirited quality to Sankoff and Hein’s score. Their songs are earthy and hearty, designed for a community of voices and the power of the collective shines through in Christopher Ashley’s simplistic staging. A big hit on Broadway, nominated for seven Tony awards, it received an even warmer reception in the West End, with its all-British company winning four Oliviers. It’s a small show, in no sense a grand spectacular, but Come From Away is one of the most heartfelt and wholesome musicals of the century so far.

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Come From Away Reviews

“Wonderful” A wonderful piece of theatre. Very emotional - from laughter to tears and back again in seconds, at... ... read moreA wonderful piece of theatre. Very emotional - from laughter to tears and back again in seconds, at... read more read less 
7/07/2022

“One of the best shows I've ever seen!” This was amazing! The story, the cast, the show everything and everyone did there bit and I was... ... read moreThis was amazing! The story, the cast, the show everything and everyone did there bit and I was... read more read less 
7/05/2022

Fab show 🎭 I love this story and they way that they told it! 

Its a good show length (100mins) and the actors all play multiple characters which I love. I almost cried... read moreI love this story and they way that they told it! 

Its a good show length (100mins) and the actors all play multiple characters which I love. I almost cried and also laughed so much - a great evening.

I booked cheap seats right at the back but as it wasn’t full they moved people forward which was great :) read less 
5/26/2022

Don’t Miss This Musical! We went to a Monday performance, got wonderful seats (F 9&10) and thoroughly enjoyed the play. We’ve been to many West End plays, and this one ranks right up... read moreWe went to a Monday performance, got wonderful seats (F 9&10) and thoroughly enjoyed the play. We’ve been to many West End plays, and this one ranks right up there with the big names. The cast did a wonderful job portraying multiple characters, and we were amazed at the accuracy to the real event. At the end of the play, they received a spontaneous standing ovation. The musicians came out and really had the place rocking! It was definitely a fun evening! I highly recommend this play! read less 
4/28/2022

Superb - must see Best musical we’ve seen. It was mesmerising from start to finish. We loved the humour, songs and interesting factual story line. Really emotional in several places too, a rollercoaster of... read moreBest musical we’ve seen. It was mesmerising from start to finish. We loved the humour, songs and interesting factual story line. Really emotional in several places too, a rollercoaster of emotions. But will stay with us forever. read less 
4/20/2022

Come from away March 2022 Another great west end show, what a class act. Every time I go to see a show I am amazed worth a visit, the props are great. Good social distancing... read moreAnother great west end show, what a class act. Every time I go to see a show I am amazed worth a visit, the props are great. Good social distancing and mask wearing as well. read less 
4/13/2022

Absolutely fantastic This has to be one of THE best musicals I have seen..,, just brilliant!! Fantastic voices… brilliant acting, moving …. Loved every minute of it!! Would happily go again…. 

My... read moreThis has to be one of THE best musicals I have seen..,, just brilliant!! Fantastic voices… brilliant acting, moving …. Loved every minute of it!! Would happily go again…. 

My advice. Just go!!! read less 
4/13/2022

Incredible! One of the most engaging, thought-provoking, clever pieces of theatre I have ever seen. Absolutely brilliant! Would happily see this again.

Shout out to Alma in the Ambassador Lounge who... read moreOne of the most engaging, thought-provoking, clever pieces of theatre I have ever seen. Absolutely brilliant! Would happily see this again.

Shout out to Alma in the Ambassador Lounge who made our visit to the Phoenix theatre that extra bit special. She was the perfect host; engaging and friendly, and nothing was too much trouble. read less 
10/05/2021

A must see What a show! Was bought a ticket for a birthday present, and having not heard of it wasn’t sure what to expect. No worries because it was bloody brilliant! 

From... read moreWhat a show! Was bought a ticket for a birthday present, and having not heard of it wasn’t sure what to expect. No worries because it was bloody brilliant! 

From start to finish it was engaging, clear, very well directed with little props, music was great felt like a proper Irish Shindig at points. 

As a larger lady the seats were comfortable, leg room for taller people may be an issue but for me was fine. 

No interval as the show is 1 hour and 40 mins but you don’t notice, it’s captivatingly brilliant! A real Must see! Well done to all!! read less 
9/28/2021

Fantastic Show Before I begin here's what you need to know:

- This ISN'T a show on the events in New York during 9/11. It's primary focous is the diverted groups of people... read moreBefore I begin here's what you need to know:

- This ISN'T a show on the events in New York during 9/11. It's primary focous is the diverted groups of people from all over the world who come to Gander, Newfoundland, and how they come to know each other and grow after a traumatic experience.

- It wouldn't hurt to know a bit more about the surrounding events of 9/11 and how people came together.

- The accent's are thick in places so you may have some difficulty understanding.

- The show has no interval (if you didn't know) 

- The actors and actresses WILL multi-role, so you have to keep track.

- I believe the script has developed on since the Spotify Broadway cast recording.

- The set design is Minimalistic in style, with a revolve centre. (See photo) (As someone who is training in theatre this is very hard to pull off so I give credit here)

My review:

I have been in love with Come from away since I first listened to the Broadway cast recording. And so watching it after not going to the theatre since COVID. I was anxious to say the least and apart from a few late comers (despite allotted entry times) when the show began well....

From the moment the band started I felt home. I was intrigued to see how they would utilise one set and they pulled it off for me! Being able to provide different scenes with one set is hard believe me! The lighting was gorgeous while primarily in one state in "Night" scenes well I won't spoil it but the set is used to convey the time of day.

The show also tackles the issues of the re-opening of America after 9/11 and the "security issues" faced with generalizations of race which is heartbreaking to know happened to innocent people.

However, the show beautifully demonstrates acceptance and progressive ideals through the song "Prayer" especially.

The show does move fast, but to me it works, you have to remember that nobody knew what was happening. Everyone thought they'd be stopped for a short time but 5 days later and they're still in Gander.

I loved Alice Fearn as captain Beverley Bass, who had recently finished as Elphaba in Wicked. Her vocals were incredibly powerful and filled the room even when sitting down.

I feel Jenna Boyd and Gemma Knight Jones make the best emotional connections with their characters. Especially Jones' falsetto after learning about her son's fate. 

The cast all in all were perfect all working off each other which is hard for such a small cast they seem like genuine friends for such a heartfelt show.

I was sad knowing the show was going to end but I felt they had conveyed their message well and even led to me speaking to members of the public after the show feeling like the show had inspired me to do so.

I would 110% come again, Come from away is one of those shows that sits with the classics for me. read less 
9/26/2021

Loved it! Had no idea what to expect from this show, but it was excellent. Everything about it was great; the actors, music/ musicians, story, script. A thoroughly enjoyable 90... read moreHad no idea what to expect from this show, but it was excellent. Everything about it was great; the actors, music/ musicians, story, script. A thoroughly enjoyable 90 mins. A fascinating story, well told. Go see it! read less 
9/23/2021

CAST
CREATIVE

Cast and Creative

Cast

Jenna Boyd – Beulah
Nathanael Campbell – Bob
Clive Carter – Claude
Mary Doherty – Bonnie
Robert Hands – Nick/Doug
Helen Dobson – Diane
Jonathan Andrew Hume – Kevin J
Harry Morrison – Oz
Emma Salvo – Janice
David Shannon – Kevin T
Cat Simmons – Hannah
Rachel Tucker – Beverley/Annette
Mark Dugdale – Standby
Bob Harms – Standby
Chiara Baronti – Standby
Kirsty Malpass – Standby
Tania Mathurin – Standby
Alexander McMorran – Standby
Brandon Lee Sears – Standby
Jennifer Tierney – Standby

Creative

Irene Sankhoff – Book, Music, Lyrics
David Hein – Book, Music, Lyrics
Christopher Ashley – Director
Kelly Devine – Musical Staging
Ian Eisendrath – Musical Supervisor
Beowulf Boritt – Scenic Design
Toni-Leslie James – Costume design
Howell Binkley – Lighting design
Gareth Owen – Sound design
David Brian Brown – Musical supervision
August Eriksmosen – Orchestrations
Pippa Ailon – Casting
Natalie Gallacher – Casting
Joel Goldes – Dialect Coach
Alan Berry – Musical Director

FAQ

Cancellation policy

No exchanges or refunds are available after paying for tickets, you can however, get a full refund if you need to cancel due to unavoidable circumstances, with the TicketPlan refund protection option which can be added when you purchase your show tickets.

Which theatre and where?

Come From Away is showing at the Phoenix Theatre which is located at Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0JP

How does it work?

Choose your seats via our live booking platform, once payment is completed you will receive an email confirmation with your booking reference number and e-Tickets.

Any Questions?

If you have any questions about your ticket purchase you can contact our customer services team on 020 3670 8887

Good to know

Strobe lighting is used several times during the performance.

Suitable for children?

Come From Away is recommended for ages 10 and above.

Can I video record or take photos?

The use of camera and sound recording equipment is strictly prohibited.

Come From Away

Come From Away West End

Theatre

Duration

Age Restrictions