Come From Away UK tour Liverpool Empire- 20th March 2024 Book, Music and Lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein I have wanted to see the multi-award winning, ‘Come From Away’, since its initial release in 2017. It has since, alongside Hamilton, become the new darling of the theatre community. After its final performance in the West End last year, it has now hit the road on its first UK tour. Its subject matter does not scream musical material; the grounding of planes in Newfoundland following the 9/11 terrorist attack, leaving nearly 7000 stranded and bewildered. I guarantee to you though, that you will leave with your faith in human nature restored- and that’s no easy feat in this mess of a world we are currently living in. Based on true stories of both the ‘plane people’ and the inhabitants of Newfoundland, Come From Away manages to skillfully tackle its source material with the sensitivity and truth that it deserves, whilst still entertaining the audience throughout with its clever narrative, as any good show should. The show is one act and at a relatively short running time of 110 minutes, it is fast-paced. The music is used to tell the story, rather than ‘filler’ songs that could be tied to any show. I suspect the soundtrack is not particularly popular in the musical theatre community, purely because it is an experience which only really works when every element is present. A fantastic live band remains on stage throughout, and are truly the heart of the show. There is no weak link in this cast, which is vital, as it is a small company of twelve, all playing multiple parts. Special mentions have to go to Sara Poyzer and Amanda Henderson, who bring such emotion to their parts. The staging is sparse but highly effective; the main props being chairs which change from aeroplane seats to pub stools in the blink of an eye. Laughs and tears are guaranteed aplenty- a particularly moving scene which features different people of different religions trying to pray and find answers in response to the tragedy, seemed to have a real effect on the audience. It was very hard not to reflect and compare the words with current affairs today, and the cast seemed to know this too. Come From Away is the show the world needs right now. It reminded me of the Fred Rogers quote, which ironically became universally used post 9/11- ‘When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ It might not be a solution, but kindness and love is something we are all thirsty for. Come From Away offers it, unapologetically, tenfold. Come From Away continues its UK tour until January 2025
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