Come From Away At Birmingham Hippodrome Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Alexander Wilde
Quite simply phenomenal!
‘Come from Away’ is the captivating musical of a remarkable true story that delves into the unexpected hospitality shown by the residents of Gander, Newfoundland, when thirty-eight planes were forced to land there following the attacks of 11th September 2001. Undoubtedly, a highly emotive event in 21st century history, and a curious choice for a musical. The show explores themes of compassion, humanity, and unity in the face of this tragedy, as seven-thousand passengers almost double the population of the Canadian town.
Following award-winning Broadway and West End seasons, ‘Come from Away’ is embarking on its first UK tour and tonight I have touched down in Birmingham to see if the show lives up to the hype.
Rousing from the get-go, the show opens with the foot stomping “Welcome to the Rock”; introducing the audience to the full cast of twelve and continues apace with each scene building on the last to create a powerful crescendo of emotion.
An incredibly versatile and dedicated dozen, the actors, who cleverly portray a wide range of characters. Each of them seamlessly transition between multiple roles, often switching accents, costumes, and personalities in a matter of seconds. This requires not only immense talent but also incredible coordination and timing, which the cast executes perfectly. For instance, an actor might play a local Newfoundlander in one scene and a stranded passenger from another part of the world in the next, each with distinct mannerisms and emotional nuances. Their performances are not just about delivering lines but about embodying the spirit of the story. This collective effort creates a rich, multifaceted world on stage, demonstrating the actors’ extraordinary gifts.
This is a standout ensemble, and everyone deserves a ‘namecheck’. Each one brings authenticity and depth to their roles, making you invest in the characters and feel that their experiences are profoundly relatable. They resonate on a personal level.
Complementing the cast, is a remarkable 9-piece band, which performs on stage throughout the show. The band, consisting of musicians playing instruments like the fiddle, accordion, guitar, and bodhran, create Gaelic infused folk, rock, and traditional Newfoundland tunes which create an authentic and emotive soundscape. Their presence adds a layer of energy and immediacy to the performance, with the musicians often interacting with the cast and enhancing the storytelling during key numbers and making the audience feel like they are one of the locals.
The story, music and lyrics by married-creatives Irene Sankoff and David Hein are incredible. I’ve already added many of the tracks to my current playlist. The seamless integration of music and narrative ensures that each song propels the story forward, enhancing the emotional impact. There is barely a breath between musical numbers.
Set and costume design are simple but highly effective. Both the stage floor and backdrop are weathered wooden boards, and the only fixed pieces are trees rising to the rafters. Using minimalistic props (and I mean minimal – tables and chairs) and quick costume changes to evoke different settings and characters, this simplicity keeps the focus on the story and the performances, enhancing the overall impact. Combined with subtle rigged and strip lighting, these design choices contribute to the inviting experience, drawing the audience into the humble world of Gander.
The direction ensures a tight, cohesive narrative that flows smoothly despite the complex, multi-storyline structure. The choreography is dynamic and adds an extra layer of energy to the performance, particularly in ensemble numbers. Each scene is a perfect balance, allowing moments of levity to shine without undermining the gravity of the events depicted.
In addition to its themes of community and compassion, ‘Come from Away’ sensitively addresses racial tensions, including Islamophobia, and the initial concerns of gay characters and passengers from African countries in a nuanced and impactful manner. The character of Ali, a Muslim passenger, faces suspicion and fear from others due to his appearance and religious background, highlighting the prejudices that surfaced in the wake of 9/11. Similarly, passengers from African countries are wary of their new hosts and experience cultural misunderstandings. While the gay couple, Kevin J., and Kevin T., worry about how they will be received in a small, rural town. This exploration of various forms of prejudice is handled with care. These tensions, demonstrating the initial mistrust and the eventual acceptance and understanding that develop as characters learn more about each other fully contribute to the musical’s broader themes of empathy and inclusion. By acknowledging these issues, ‘Come from Away’ not only reflects the complexities of our planet, but also offers a hopeful narrative of overcoming fear with kindness and connection to create a sense of belonging.
Emotionally, ‘Come from Away’ is a complete drama; skilfully balancing moments of tension and heartbreak with humour and hope. It handles the sensitive subject matter with grace, honouring the events without veering into melodramatics.
Compared to other musicals dealing with real-life events, it stands out for its focus on kindness and community rather than the tragedy itself. Abounding with life, love, laughter, and a few tears, it is a refreshing message of hope and positivity. The musical’s emphasis on human connection and the goodness of people in times of crisis make it as deeply moving as it is uniquely entertaining.
I have never seen a full house rise to a standing ovation so quickly!
‘Come from Away’ is a must-see musical that highlights the very best of humanity in the face of adversity. The unrivalled performances, evocative music, and compelling story make it a truly flawless one hour and 40 minutes!
Heart warming, thought-provoking and quite simply phenomenal, ‘Come from Away’ is not just any ol’ musical; it is an emotional journey and immersive experience that leaves a profound impact on the audience long after the curtain falls. I will be booking tickets for a repeat viewing asap!
Five stars, plus another five!
Rating: 5/5
Tickets cost from £25.
On Stage until 1st June 2024, for more information or to book tickets visit https://www.birminghamhippodrome.com/calendar/come-from-away/ or call the box office on
0844 338 5000
Birmingham Hippodrome Theatre, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham B5 4TB
Tour information: https://comefromawaylondon.co.uk/tour-dates/
The splendorous Birmingham Hippodrome stands within a clean, well-lit, and popular cultural heart of the city. The historic area and venue has benefited from extensive regeneration and considered transport links over the last two decades. The Theatre is surrounded by a range of bars, restaurants, and entertainment options for a great day or night out in the bustling city. Arriving by car, routes to the theatre were well signposted and nearby parking was plentiful. The Bullring and Grand Central train station are a short walk away.
The main foyer is modern and spacious, leading to all accessible levels. We were greeted warmly on entering and felt a buzz in the air. We found the bars/concession stands to be well manned, stocked with a wide range of hot/cold drinks and treats; all of standard prices for theatres. I have sat in both stall and dress circle seats; both are very comfortable and provide excellent views of the stage.