The Little Theatre, Leicester – until Saturday 18th October 2025
Reviewed by Leanne W
4****
Come From Away is a poignant and uplifting musical that celebrates compassion in the face of adversity. Set in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland—with a population of just 9,000—the story unfolds in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, when 38 planes carrying nearly 7,000 passengers were unexpectedly diverted to the town due to the closure of U.S. airspace. The musical beautifully captures how the residents of Gander opened their hearts and homes to these stranded travellers, offering food, shelter, and comfort during a time of global uncertainty.
This production, presented by IDOLS as their final performance before concluding a remarkable 70-year legacy, is a fitting farewell. The show’s themes of resilience, community, and unexpected friendship resonate deeply, making it an ideal choice for a closing chapter.
This musical is performed in a single act with a fast-paced narrative and a compact cast portraying multiple roles and characters. While some performers demonstrated exceptional versatility in distinguishing between their roles, others struggled with creating separate characters and subsequent character transitions. Nonetheless, the ensemble as a whole delivered a commendable performance. Costume changes were minimal—often just a change of cardigan, glasses, or hat—yet effective in supporting character shifts between Newfoundlanders and the “plane people.” There are some enjoyable moments, notably the scene with the bored passengers unaware of the unfolding crisis, and the humorous initiation into becoming a Newfoundlander; complete with drinks and fish kissing, though the absence of proper props like a bottle and shot glasses slightly diminished the impact.
Musical direction by Kate Bale was strong, with the orchestra performing from behind the scenes. The score, infused with folk, rock, and Celtic influences, reflects the cultural spirit of Newfoundland. Although the ensemble pieces were powerful, there were moments where the vocals overpowered the solo speeches and lyrics during musical numbers thus leading to occasional loss of narrative clarity. Additionally, some accents lacked consistency, which further impacted comprehension in parts.
The set design featured a striking wooden backdrop with dynamic use of tables and chairs to transition between scenes. While the towering pine trunks added depth, the artificial grass at their base detracted from the otherwise effective visual presentation. Scene changes were executed smoothly, transporting the audience from airplanes to pubs and coffee shops with simplicity and finesse.
Under Ian Phillips’ thoughtful direction and Danielle Sanders’ engaging choreography, this production offers a heartfelt retelling of a remarkable true story. With strong contributions from a talented amateur cast.
Come From Away is more than just a musical—it’s a testament to the power of human kindness and solidarity in the darkest of times. This production by IDOLS captures that spirit with sincerity and heart, offering audiences a moving and memorable experience. As IDOLS takes its final bow after 70 years, this show stands as a fitting tribute to the organisation’s legacy of community, creativity, and compassion. It’s a performance that reminds us of the good in people and the importance of coming together when it matters most.