Come From Away

Rarely does a piece of theatre transport you so viscerally into the heart of a story as Come From Away does. This remarkable musical, now touring the UK and Ireland, lands at Milton Keynes Theatre with all the emotional force of the true events it portrays.

Set during the chaotic week following 9/11, it tells the extraordinary story of 7,000 passengers grounded in Gander, a remote Newfoundland town, and the locals who rallied to care for them. The genius of Come From Away lies in its structure—90 uninterrupted minutes of relentless pace, just as those in Gander experienced. With no interval, no scene changes, and a cast who seamlessly shift between multiple roles, the audience is swept up in the emotional turmoil, anxiety, and camaraderie of that week.

The ensemble cast is phenomenal. Each performer moves effortlessly from one character to another, capturing a spectrum of personalities and emotions, from fear and grief to resilience and humor. There are excellent performances from the whole cast (all perform multiple roles so only the main characters are mentioned) - Natasha J Barnes as Janice, Daniel Crowder as Nick / Doug, Mark Dugdale as Kevin T / Garth, Rosie Glossop as Bonnie, Amanda Henderson as Beulah, Kirsty Hoiles as Diane, Oliver Jacobson as Oz, Dale Mathurin as Bob, Nicholas Pound as Claude, Sara Poyzer as Beverley / Annette, Bree Smith as Hannah and Kevin Yates as Kevin J / Ali (understudying for Jamal Zulfiqar on press night).

The Irish-inspired folk score, performed by a live onstage band, underscores every moment, infusing the drama with both poignancy and vitality. The music isn’t merely an accompaniment; it drives the narrative, blending fast-paced dialogue with heartfelt melodies that make the experience feel raw and immediate.

Discover a joyous tale brought to life with uplifting music, as the spirited residents of Gander and passengers from around the globe unite, forming bonds that last a lifetime. Among the real-life figures are the trailblazing first female American Airlines captain, a resourceful town mayor, a grieving mother of a New York firefighter, and a determined local reporter—each caught in the midst of a history-defining moment that became a powerful testament to hope, compassion, and togetherness.

The beauty of Come From Away lies in its simplicity. With minimal staging, it relies on the storytelling brilliance of its cast and creatives. Chairs become planes, tables transform into a town hall, and through it all, the humanity of the characters shines. It’s a tale of strangers coming together in crisis, finding connection and kindness in the most unexpected circumstances.

By the time the lights fade, you’re left exhilarated, emotionally drained, and profoundly moved. Come From Away isn’t just a show—it’s an experience that restores faith in humanity and reminds us of the extraordinary capacity for compassion in the face of adversity.

★★★★★
A theatrical tour de force that will stay with you long after the curtain falls.