Plymouth Theatre Review

Title of Show: Come From Away

Date of attendance: 12/04/2024

Venue: Theatre Royal Plymouth

Production Type: Musical Theatre

Easy to follow: 5/5

Family friendly: 4/5

Must see: 5/5

Come From Away is a Tony & Olivier award winning musical that tells the remarkable true story of 38 planes that landed in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland on September 11th 2001. While the infamous events that unfolded that day are known across the world, what is little known is this heart warming story of human connection and kindness. Amidst the chaos and uncertainly the town of Gander pulled together in an amazing feat of human spirit, opening their hearts and homes to strangers from across the world, forging unlikely friendships and finding hope in the face of tragedy. 

From start to finish this show was a rollercoaster of laughter, tears and heart warming moments that utterly captivated with it’s powerful ensemble storytelling and amazingly talented cast. The ensemble style performance was breathtakingly effective in conveying the uncertainty and chaos inherent in the story. Through fluid transitions of both character and scene, the ensemble embodied a diverse array of characters through synchronised movements and quick shifts between roles, and created a sense of urgency and unpredictability which undoubtedly was felt at the time. This approach not only amplifies the sense of chaos but also underscores the interconnectedness of the characters and their shared experience. By seamlessly weaving between multiple roles, the cast bring a depth and richness to the story and effortlessly capture the complexity of human emotion at a time of crisis.

Every single member of the cast were breathtakingly dedicated to their characters, each bringing their own enthusiasm and depth to their roles, making it hard to single out any one performer. This is another testament to just how good this ensemble cast really is. Each member gave their all, pouring their hearts and souls into every moment, action, song and character. The constant presence of the ensemble on stage created a sense of unity and connection among the cast that mirrored the solidarity and camaraderie found deep within the heart of the story itself.

From the gorgeous portrayal of Beulah by Amanda Henderson andthe stunning and emotive performance by Bree Smith as Hannah, to the comical and refreshing portrayals of the Kevin’s by Jamal Zulfiquar and Mark Dugdale, each person brought their own unique energy, charisma and emotion to their performance and created a rich tapestry of personalities that enhanced the storytelling and audience connection to the piece. Whether playing a stranded passenger, a compassionate local, a pilot or air steward, the cast collectively compelled the audience with their ability to inhabit multiple personalities with precision, skill and intensity while masterfully striking a delicate balance between humour and horror. Weaving together moments of comedy and light heartedness with the profound gravity of the of the tragedy, the shows cleverly crafted humour serves as a coping mechanism for both the characters and audience alike, offering moments of comical respite amidst the horror of the events of 9/11, without diminishing the weight of the story. The juxtaposition of laughter and tears creates a spellbinding and emotional journey for viewers, drawing them into the heart of the story and the characters into the hearts of the audience.

Several standout songs in this show, ‘Screech in’, ‘I am here’ and ‘Darkness and trees’ being three that stick to mind the most for their powerful feats of storytelling, emotion and immersion. Through these powerful, energetic and emotive songs the show not only entertains but also enlightens, offering profound insights into the human experience and capacity for compassion in times of need.

The set was simple yet effective, a true testament to the power of simplicity. While minimalist in nature, the cast were incredibly adept at setting the scene and immersing then audience into the story and settings. Key symbols and props are strategically placed to signify different locations, allowing the audience to easily follow the narrative without the need for elaborate set changes. This minimalistic approach not only streamlines the production but also allows focus to remain squarely on the characters and their journey. Likewise, the costume and props were also ingeniously simple yet effective. With just a hat or a jacket the actors skilfully navigated the character changes with fluidity and versatility. By stripping away unnecessary distractions the audience is able to fully immerse themselves into the action, focusing on the story and relating to the characters in a deeper and more meaningful way. The emphasis on storytelling over spectacle creates a more intimate and authentic theatrical experience where the emotional resonance of the performance is felt even more profoundly.

In conclusion, Come From Away stands as a masterpiece of ensemble performance and an absolute triumph of musical theatre brought to life by a remarkably talented and dedicated cast. It stands as an extraordinary testament to the power of ensemble performance and storytelling, and captivates audiences through a unique blend of humour, heartache, hope and resilience to deliver  a rollercoaster of emotions that deeply moves and uplifts the viewer. Come From Away is not just a musical; it’s an unforgettable experience that celebrates the resilience of the human spirit and the beauty of human connection in times of adversity. It’s a must see for anyone seeking an inspiring and transformative theatrical experience, standing as a beacon of hope and reminding us that even in the darkest of hours, kindness and compassion has the power to light the way forward. If you only go to see one show this year, you will want it to be this one! It’s simply not to be missed!