Come From Away is a musical lasting one hour and 45 minutes and performed by the Captivate Theatre company, adapting the show originally written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein for the Edinburgh Fringe. It is directed by Sally Lyall and can be found at the Assembly Ballroom.
It is based on the true story of when 38 planes carrying around 7,000 passengers landed on the remote island of Gander, Newfoundland, after 9/11 caused US airspace to be closed. The musical focuses on the islanders and their newly formed friendships with the so-called ‘plane people’ as they spend five days cohabiting together in the wake of a tragedy.
A stand-out member of the cast is Flick Hannah, who I saw performing the role of Captain Beverly Bass. Hannah has an incredible voice, and their rendition of ‘Me and the Sky’ is sure to make any audience feel as though they are soaring up with the Captain.
Additionally, Rebecca Holmes is a magnificent Hannah in Come From Away and their performance in ‘Something’s Missing’ is so gut-wrenchingly heartfelt that it had the audience around me gasping with Hannah’s pain. Their scenes alongside Beulah, played by Sarah Louise Donnelly when I attended, are incredibly warm and enjoyable.
Zander Cruickshank and Lisa Fleming share fantastic chemistry in their roles as Nick and Diane. They are funny and endearing in a way that forces the audience to root for them and become invested in their story. Similarly, Aaron De Veres and Scott Binnie are hilarious together playing the Kevins, playing off each other in a way that feels entirely natural.
Come From Away is a heart-warming and deeply uplifting show, which the whole team at Captivate Theatre handles with grace and care. The talented cast skilfully manages the fine balance between the humorous scenes and the more sincere and sad moments. This production has been a highlight of my Fringe this year, and is a show that will remind everyone that good exists in the world.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
