Review – Come From Away
Produced by: Festival Players
Music, Book and Lyrics: Irene Sankoff and David Hein
Director: Justin Murray
Venue: ADC Theatre, Cambridge
Performance: 9th June 2026
Yet again, I’m blown away by the sheer talent of the Festival Players team.
Watching Come From Away in a packed theatre last night, I had to remind myself that this was not the professional West End production.
This remarkable true story tells how the small community of Gander, Newfoundland, responded when 38 airliners were diverted to their airport on 11 September 2001 following the closure of US airspace, effectively doubling the town’s population overnight. The people of Gander come together to feed, clothe, house and support those who have literally “come from away”, and the result is an uplifting and deeply moving celebration of human kindness.
The story is brought to life by a cast of just 14 actors, who continuously switch roles to portray both stranded passengers and local residents. The seamless transitions are astonishing to watch, requiring immense skill, precision and energy. I was in awe of the cast’s ability to move effortlessly between characters while maintaining clarity and authenticity throughout.
The action unfolds against a simple backdrop of sky and sea, with minimal props transforming the stage into airports, aircraft cabins and community spaces. The stripped-back design allows the storytelling to take centre stage. Meanwhile, the foot-tapping folk-rock score keeps the production pulsing with energy. Under the musical direction of Sam Kirby, the band delivers a superb performance, earning rapturous applause that continued until the final note faded away.
Frances Sayer’s movement direction deserves particular praise. Using little more than stools and carefully choreographed physical theatre, the cast convincingly creates the cramped confines of an aircraft cabin and a variety of other locations. The result is imaginative, dynamic and highly effective.
Against the backdrop of the tragedy of 9/11, the stranded passengers reveal their own personal stories. People from every background are welcomed and supported in their time of need. Among the many touching narratives, a gay couple confronts challenges within their relationship, while an unexpected romance blossoms between American divorcee Holly Dawson and the reserved English engineer Matt Wilkinson. We also learn the story of pioneering female pilot Beverley Bass, portrayed beautifully by Emma Vieceli, alongside Kathryn Salmond’s suitably nervous rookie reporter, suddenly thrust into the biggest story of her life.
For all its emotional weight, Come From Away is also surprisingly funny, with several genuine laugh-out-loud moments. Keep an eye out for the moose! While this is very much an ensemble piece, Alan Hay as Mayor Claude Elliott, Frances Watson as Beulah Davis and Emily Starr as Micky stand out among an exceptionally strong company.
The score is packed with memorable numbers, but my personal favourite remains Prayer, where prayers from different faith traditions intertwine to create a powerful and beautiful harmony.
Everything in this production comes together magnificently: the storytelling, soaring vocals, stirring folk music, exceptional performances, inventive movement and sensitive direction. The result is a production that is far greater than the sum of its parts.
Come From Away is a joyful, heartfelt celebration of humanity at its best, reminding us that even in the darkest moments, kindness and compassion can prevail. Judging by the immediate and thoroughly deserved standing ovation that greeted the final curtain, Festival Players have once again produced something very special.
Photos credit: Paul Ashley
Many thanks to Berenice for permission to use this review.