‘Come From Away’ (Edinburgh Playhouse) | Review By Lewis C. Baird

The West End and Broadway smash hit ‘Come From Away’ has finally made it’s way to Scotland on the musical’s debut UK Tour, playing the Edinburgh Playhouse until Saturday 21^st Sept before moving onto Glasgow King’s Theatre from Tuesday 24^th Sept. Having made it’s Scottish debut in Aberdeen last week – the musical surrounds the events in the Newfoundland town of Gander during the week following the September 11 attacks, when 38 planes, carrying approximately 7,000 passengers, were ordered to land unexpectedly at Gander International Airport. The characters in the musical are based on actual Gander residents and stranded travellers they housed and fed. 

Community is the heart of this musical and the featured ensemble embeds that mindset from the moment they step onto the stage to the beating drum of ‘Welcome to The Rock’. This is a masterclass of storytelling with each performer portraying a versatile range of characters – whether that’s the townsfolk of Gander or travellers from far and wide who have found themselves trapped in an unfamiliar part of the world, during one of the biggest tragedies in human history. There is no lead in this musical, each character’s journey is intricately laced into the narrative to show the diverse perspectives from the events that played out in Gander. The performances from the actors are so beautifully nuanced – to depict real people faced with pain, devastation, with then moments of warmth and joy, all of this with only the simplest of costume changes,  the cast’s talent is undeniable. As well as the tonal shifts, the performers are also embodying characters of different nationalities, ages and backgrounds, transitioning with barely a beat seamlessly– the portrayals are incredible.

The stellar ensemble in this production are as follows; Natasha J. Barnes as Janice & others, Daniel Crowder as Nick, Doug & others, Mark Dugdale as Kevin T., Garth & others, Holly Ann Butler (covering for Rosie Glossop) as Bonnie & others, Amanda Henderson as Beulah & others, Kirsty Hoiles as Diane & others, Oliver Jacobson as Oz & others, Dale Mathurin as Bob & others, Nicholas Pound as Claude & others, Sara Poyzer as Beverley, Annette & others, Angeline Bell (covering Bree Smith) as Hannah & others and Jamal Zulfiqar as Kevin J, Ali & others. 

With Book, Music & Lyrics from Irene Sankoff & David Hein, this production encapsulates the best of humanity in the face of adversity. The one act musical packs in almost a week’s worth of anecdotes, yet the pace never faulters, each moment is utilised perfectly to show the scale of the community that was displaced into Gander during the 9/11 attacks. For a semi-verbatim production, Sankoff & Hein have done an amazing job of keeping the production lighthearted and entertaining, while still informative and engaging. The use of music for storytelling here is unlike any other production, the diversity in style, tone, and complexity is stunning. With showstoppers such as ‘Me and The Sky’ along with ‘Somewhere In The Middle of Nowhere’ being rhythmically sublime whilst still pushing the narrative forward containing one or more characters’ anecdotes rather than just their emotional declaration, it’s refreshing and musical theatre song writing at it’s best. The incredible onstage band conducted by Phil Cornwell, sounded utterly sublime, rousing a more than earned standing ovation by the audience at the end of the show. 

Christopher Ashley’s direction relies on the humanity of the performers, to depict the sense of community during those days back in 2001 and to relay the selfless acts of the Newfoundlanders. Ashley utilises Beowolf Boritt’s stripped back scenic design, where literally all there is on stage is the bare minimum – chairs and tables, with wooden pallet backdrop, complimented by Howard Binkley’s vibrant and appropriate lighting design. Yet that is more than enough to create the versatile settings of each scene. Visually this production is stunning, not only in scenic and lighting design, but also with Kelly Devine’s musical staging, where energetic choreography then turns to poignant vignettes.  

‘Come From Away’ is a musical unlike any other, and whilst the narrative surrounds the harrowing darkness of 9/11, it shows what was found when people thought all was lost.  This musical shows humanity at it’s finest in the most stunningly creative way. This is not only the best musical currently touring the UK, but also one of the best pieces of theatre ever made. This show is a MUST see, cancel your plans and book your tickets now. 

Get your tickets here – https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/come-from-away/edinburgh-playhouse/

Come From Kindness – Throughout the run of ‘Come From Away’ this week the Edinburgh Playhouse are keen to embrace the good will nature of the show. Therefore, the theatre will be supporting the wonderful Edinburgh Food Project, and they have set up a foodbank donation station in the Playhouse’s Box Office. 

If you are coming along to see Come From Away UK this week and are able to contribute to their foodbank donation station with any of the items listed (see the list below), please bring them with you and pop into the theatre’s Box Office before the show! 

They will also be supporting their fantastic partner charity Simba Charity by raising money for the work they do in supporting families who have lost a baby. The Playhouse staff will be standing with donation buckets as you leave the theatre.