Rugby Theatre bring us a true story of kindness and generosity

The cast of Come From Away. Photo by Martin Pulley.

Come From Away at Rugby Theatre from 17 – 25 October.  Directed by Mark Tolchard. Book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein.

Review by Ann Evans

While Come From Away is based around the terrible events of 9/11 it tells a remarkable story of another event that came about because of the dreadful terrorist attack where so many innocent people lost their lives. Because of that incident on 11th September 2001, American airspace was shut down for the first time in history. Thirty-eight planes from all around the world, carrying in total almost 7,000 passengers of all nationalities were diverted to a small remote town by the name of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada. Population of that region was just 10,000.

Passengers prepare to land in Newfoundland. Photo by Martin Pulley.

This small community suddenly had thirty-eight huge aircraft landing one after another on their runway. Seven thousand men, women, children, 19 animals including two rare Bonobo chimpanzees were stranded. No one knew what was going on in the outside world, and were unable to contact their families and loved ones. Even when they’d landed, there were many more hours stuck inside the aircraft before they were allowed out.  One of the songs in this excellent production is 28 Hours/Wherever We Are which told of their frustrations and fears.

Come From Away was created from hundreds of real-life stories from individual passengers and Gander residents that have been woven into this heartwarming story of kindness, friendship and generosity. Gander residents provided the stranded passengers with shelter, food, drinks, a change of clothing, toiletries and what they desperately needed – telephones and ways of communicating with family back home, letting them know they were safe. The residents gave them everything they needed and asked for nothing in return.

Ian Meikle, Steve Bingham and Emma Bright. Photo by Martin Pulley.

Incredibly, with a cast of just 12 actors playing many parts, this cast under the direction of Mark Tolchard, musical direction of Jamie Payne and choreography by Carrie Gamble, create scene after scene of music-filled, lively, often funny, sometimes heartbreaking moments throughout the five days that these stranded passengers lived alongside the residents of Gander.

The choreography in this production is perfection, the fabulous songs with their folk-rock beat are unique with lyrics that tell the story: Blankets and Bedding, I am Here, Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere and more. The solos and harmonies are outstanding – truly professional performances from all twelve cast members which were deserving of the standing ovation at the end.

A team of Cardiologists send Libby Lowe weak at the knees! Photo by Martin Pulley.

Running through these 12 stars, we enjoyed the singing, dancing and acting of: Kenny Robinson, Emma Bright, Libby Lowe, Jon Andrews, Harriet Wain, Steve Bingham, Hollie Barnes, Steve Mellin, Hayley Dawes, Ian Meikle, Georgie Blacker and Chris Porter. Also five band members played live on stage throughout: Jamie Payne on keys and accordion, Rosie Curtin on the whistle, Toby Brown on guitar, Peter Cornell on drums, Mike Shaw on fiddle and Jon Hetwood on bass guitar. They also played an 'ugly stick' - a Newfoundland home-made instrument involving a mop handle, tin cans, bottle tops and bells! This came out of the cupboard when locals and passengers had a wild night of music and whiskey!

If you want to be a Newfoundlander you have to kiss the fish! Photo by Martin Pulley.

The production is so upbeat and fun - there's never a dull moment as the cast re-live poignant moments from those five days. Some incidents bring tears to the eye, but many are fabulously funny, such as when a team of Cardiologists who had been travelling together, volunteered to clean the toilets, which delighted the local women (and the audience). Shades of The Full Monty spring to mind!

With so many stories almost every emotion under the sun is touched upon. Relationships and friendships develop, many of which are still going strong to this day.  With twelve cast members it wouldn’t be fair to single anyone out, every single performer sang beautifully.

A change of mood and atmosphere. Photo by Martin Pulley.

As the story progresses, the planes are allowed to take off and continue their journeys, seven thousand grateful passengers wanted to thank the people of Gander for their kindness and generosity. The townsfolk didn’t want anything – just a simple thank you. But later, when the passengers had gone, the residents opened the town’s suggestion box and discovered £60,000 in donations. The money was used to create the Gander Scholarship Fund which still benefits students to this day.

A great production - well done the cast and all the crew, for bringing us a story of kindness and friendship born from the most terrible tragedy.

If tickets are still available, you can book yours here: https://www.rugbytheatre.co.uk/