Come From Away, an amazing storytelling show telling of the extraordinary events in a small Canadian town, Gander, of the five days following 9/11.  Some 38 planes were diverted and grounded to Newfoundland carrying thousands of passengers each with their own language, challenges, culture and needs, but all not knowing what on earth was happening.

On 9/11, we saw the worst that could happen, but around 7,000 people in that tragedy saw the best in humanity Claude Elliott, Mayor of Gander 2001.

Come From Away at Milton Keynes Theatre brings that humanity to the stage with aplomb. Each cast member has multiple roles which transition seamlessly during every scene. We meet some of the ‘plane people’ and the residents of Gander, regular townsfolk going about their business before a state of emergency is declared. As the town’s population instantly doubles, the community rallies round like you’ve never seen, providing everything anyone might need. Phones, food, shelter, comfort, clothes, bedding, the list was endless but it came and it came in droves. Including a classroom full of toilet rolls. In addition, animals were on board a plane including a pair of breeding bonobo chimpanzees, so that added yet another dimension to the effort.

The storytelling is second to none. 

There’s no interval in this show nor is there the pause for applause after each song.  The show is designed to be seen intently and intense it absolutely is. From the get go we’re riveted, The auditorium was in silence as we were walked through the preceding moments before the 38 planes were landed. The anxiety of everyone involved was palpable. Gander’s entire population, the plane people, everyone was struggling with worry and questions of the unknown situation and they voiced this with some incredibly beautiful musical numbers.  The pain and fear in every note, but also the determination and hope too as the rallying began. Song after song, solos and harmonies, everything was pitch perfect and delivered exactly what you needed to hear. Musically, Come From Away is genuine perfection.

As each character took their various roles to the spotlight, life stories unfolded and the show touched on an astounding number of issues, albeit briefly in parts, but enough to tell us everything about every person featured. The direction was perfection itself. The multiple role element, as said, was seamless.  With extremely clever stage manipulation and minimal props, we never got lost or confused in the story but rather it played out clearly and precisely. The acting was extreme and the results faultless.

We know the 9/11 details and although the stage show didn’t refer to any with particular detail, our own knowledge and imagination lent to the show giving it further depth and gravity. It was overwhelming at times as it was so powerful.

As intense as it was, the show also had many comedic moments with sweet one liners and humour both hilarious and heartwarming. At one point I laughed as I had tears in my eyes too, it was profoundly impressive to be so moved with emotions all over the place.

Don’t be fooled by the simple staging, a few chairs, a couple of tables and a few items on and off stage at times. The set design is crafted impeccably. You are focussed on the actors entirely, as chairs are moved about, so too are you, the viewer, to the next character, location or scene masterfully.

In addition, lighting and sound is used skillfully, subtle or strong as necessary, it completes the mood and the effect is superb.

Come From Away is the most profound, intensive show I have ever seen.  It explores issues such as trust, prejudice and suspicion. It looks at love and friendships, bonds and promise.  Above all, it is a breathtaking story of human kindness, empathy, hope and comfort. It finishes with the ten year reunion of the characters celebrating lifelong friendships and connections. Heartwarming and heartbreaking in equal measures, this tremendous show gets right into your soul.

Knowing it is based on actual events hits hard and adds weight and impact to the show, brought to life by the most outstanding cast and crew impeccably. They all need personal credit and the list is long so please, do them justice by going to see the show yourself. You will not be disappointed, it is quite definitively, intensely phenomenal.

Book, Music and Lyrics – Irene Sankoff & David Hein