The Broadway and West End Masterpiece arrives in Wimbledon
★★★★★
Theatre is at its most moving and powerful when it brings us together, a shared experience that reminds us of what unites us rather than divides us. Come From Away is the epitome of this. Taking one of the most defining and horrific events of modern history and drawing out the good, hope and kindness in defiance of the tragedy, this show refuses to shy away from the darkness, instead lighting a candle to replace this darkness with light and warmth. Twenty-three years on from those events in New York and we still need this show more than ever.
Tracing the events of September 11th 2001, Come From Away tells the true stories of those in the small town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada who welcomed nearly seven thousand passengers after they were diverted to the remote airport following the attacks on World Trade Centre and Pentagon. When lives were forced together by cruel catastrophe it brought out the very best of the people of Newfoundland as they sought to care for the plane people who were scared, anxious and thousands of miles away from home. The musical too shares the story of the stranded passengers grounded in Gander, where for some romances failed and for others blossomed as they attempted to reckon with life at the edge of the world.
Not much has changed in the production since it hit the road, except for the loss of the revolving stage which though missed in certain moments does not hamper the show in the slightest. The direction and choreography remain astute and considered with each and every performance delivered with nuance and authenticity. This truly is an ensemble production, a team effort that allows every performer to have their moment in the spotlight but is at its absolute best when the actors are in unison.
This couldn’t be more the case than in the song ‘Screech In’ when the Come From Aways (the passengers) are invited to transition into locals during a ceremony at a pub. They must drink Screech (a local rum) and then kiss a freshly caught cod. The entire number is joyous as those from so many different walks of life come together as one. The band get thoroughly involved and it is impossible not to grin as the raucous scenes unfold - utter musical theatre mirth and merriment.
The musical equally masters moments of stillness and reflection, recognising the weight of the story it is telling. Despite the joy, the loss is omnipresent. During songs such as ‘Prayer’ and ‘I Am Here’ the music holds the space beautifully and delicately with the devastation of the events washing over the audience. The music and performances are raw and grounded, as we picture the scenes of September 11th, the personal stories delivering the immeasurable force needed to accurately retell these events. The collision of elation and sorrow is handled perfectly by the production and is one of many reasons why this will always be such a moving and profound piece of theatre.
Come From Away is a modern masterpiece of musical theatre. For those who remember the attack on the World Trade Centre and for those who were not born or too young to understand this show serves as a reminder and a lesson on the sheer scale of loss that occurred on that day and following years. It equally highlights the consequences of that day, the racism and hostility triggered as people sought to lash out in response. Rarely is there a musical with such importance and mass appeal as this and I urge everyone to beg, borrow, or steal a ticket so you too can experience this exquisite production.
Currently Touring until 5th January - Tickets
Photography - Craig Sugden
