Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne – until 1 August 2026
Reviewed by Mike Linane
5*****
Everybody over the age of 35 will remember where they were when they first heard the news.
On the morning of 11 September 2001, the world changed forever.
As the United States closed its airspace for the first time in history, 38 international aircraft carrying almost 7,000 passengers and crew were unexpectedly diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland.
A community of just 9,000 people suddenly found itself welcoming thousands of strangers from every corner of the glove. What happened over the next five days became an extraordinary story of compassion, generosity and human connection.
Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of the people of Gander and the ‘place people’ whose lives became forever intertwined. Filled with humour, hope and unforgettable music, the show celebrates the kindness that can emerge in the face of uncertainty and reminds us that, even during the darkest times, humanity has an incredible capacity for goodness.
Come From Away is not a musical with lots of pretty costumes or big production numbers – it doesn’t need any of that as it is a simple story, told in a simple but compassionate way.
Don’t worry if you think the basis for this musical is a bit sombre and downbeat – this show is anything but that (although it doesn’t ignore what was actually happening in the world outside of Gander at the time either). This show is full of heart, emotion, love, kindness and lots of humour. You will sit there with a big smile on your face for most of the time as your faith in your fellow man is restored in you.
The Rattonians who perform this musical have an incredible reputation in the theatre world already. They always put on shows that could easily transfer straight into the West End immediately and this musical is no exception. There isn’t a dud member amongst the cast of 21 all of whom play more than one role.
This is a true ensemble piece of theatre where everyone gets their chance to shine in the spotlight but special mention must be made of the vocal coach (name not given in the programme) as the harmonies that are achieved by this cast are incredible.
Director Alex Adams (who also appears as Kevin J and others) must be congratulated on producing a very tight production which involves a lot of moving of on-stage props all of which appeared to happen seamlessly, quickly and with no one getting hurt in the process.
It’s a pity this show has such a short run as I’m sure it would have been enjoyed enormously by all the visitors still to visit Eastbourne this summer.
Come From Away runs at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre until Saturday 1st August and is a show you need to see whether you live locally or come from away.