Set in Gander, Newfoundland, in the immediate aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001, Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of a small town called upon to play host to 8,000 stranded airline passengers who have been diverted to their airport when air space around the USA is immediately shut down. Many scenes and characters are directly based on real people and events, the information gleaned by writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein during a visit to the town some ten years later. Thirty eight international aircraft were diverted to Gander, more than doubling the local population, which as you might expect was completely unequipped to deal with such a large influx of stranded travellers.

The action of the piece centres around the angst of the bewildered passengers and the magnanimity of the townspeople springing into action to house, feed and embrace their new community within a community. Extraordinary relationships develop with consequences that reach far into the future.

The first thing of note upon entering the auditorium this evening is that the set designed by Beowulf Boritt is simple, calm, and beautiful. Deceptively so. For we soon discover that this is a magnificently versatile space that really comes into its own as the opening number ‘Welcome To The Rock’ springs into action. Within moments we are introduced to the story by the talented ensemble and by the end of the number we are swept up and fully invested. The musical staging (Kelly Devine) is really quite spectacular and the onstage band under the direction of Andrew Corcoran are a joy to hear and behold, delivering a rock-folk score that hits the mark every time.

Each member of the cast takes on numerous roles, and each of them have their moment to shine telling these remarkable stories. Sara Poyzer gives a standout performance as stranded veteran pilot Beverley, conveying the shock and angst of events unfolding and giving a quite beautiful rendition of ‘Me and the Sky’. What a powerful voice!

The crux of the story here though is one of relationships, and there are some excellent pairings that we meet along the way. Daniel Crowder and Kirsty Hoiles are wonderful as Nick and Diane respectively, the strangers who find a connection (and possibly more) when fate throws them into each other’s lives this momentous day. Comic relief comes in abundance when we meet another pairing – the two Kevins (Mark Dugdale and Jamal Zulfiqar). These are subtle and beautifully observed comedic performances delivered at just the right moments to cut through the tension.

The most heart rending performance this evening comes from Bree Smith’s Hannah, mother to a NYC fire fighter who moves the whole audience with her powerful and stunningly tender ‘I Am Here’.

Nicholas Pound has the last word as Claude the Mayor, professing ‘Tonight we honour what was lost, but we also commemorate what we found’ before the whole ensemble leads the rousing ‘Finale’. This audience are on their feet by the end and I can honestly say I have never heard such a roar of appreciation and joy from a theatre audience. Ever. It is quite a spectacular moment. The direction (Christopher Ashley) of the piece is pacey and energetic – just what it needs to be – and although there is no interval, the action never seems to lag. The 100 minutes fly by.

This is an uplifting story about the ways in which people find their resilience in the face of adversity. It invites us as an audience to behold the universal truth that we are all, in some way, ‘come from away’, aliens here, needing the understanding and friendship of others.
It is beautifully performed and designed. It is funny too – something you may be surprised about given the immediate pretext.

Ultimately, it serves as a dignified tribute to the true life events of that time in that place. Judging by the audience response on opening night here in Nottingham, I think it will be telling its story for years to come.

Playing at the Theatre Royal, Nottingham until 5th October – limited ticket availability remains so act fast – book your ticket to the rock and get kissing that Cod!

*Support Nottingham Charity Emmanuel House by taking along an item of new warm winter underwear – collection boxes on the door of the theatre.