Come From Away At Milton Keynes Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Mel Randle
Last night I went to see Come From Away at Milton Keynes Theatre. To clarify where I sat with it before I saw it, I knew it was a musical and I knew it was based on a true story surrounding the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York. I had also heard many, many great things about it, BUT I had never engaged in the hype or had any desire to see it because my ignorant view was ‘A musical based around 9/11 is just weird!’ So when I was offered the chance to review it, I knew it was time to find out once and for all what it’s all about!
After the event I still don’t know how I feel! Straight off I will say I really enjoyed it! It wasn’t what I was expecting in regards to the tragedy. It was a feel good story that was born of the events that day and the ripple effect that was created for people more widely involved. Whilst watching it I didn’t feel I was watching a musical, but that the music was just part of the story. I was so absorbed in the characters, I felt like I was watching them tell their side. It was moving so quickly and was so intense, I do feel it is one of those shows you need to watch a few times to pick up different angles of the story each time.
The company was a cast of twelve who were all on stage together throughout the production, playing at least two parts each – those of the residents of Gander, a town in Newfoundland where planes were diverted when American airspace was closed, and those of the passengers who were onboard the planes who were grounded that day for 5 days. It tells the story of the relationships built between the residents and passengers who came from all around the world – different cultures, different religions, different languages. It emphasises how humanity takes over in a crisis, and for that short time, barriers are taken down and everyone becomes one community. It was very emotional towards the end and very relatable for anyone who still vividly remembers the awful images on the news from that fateful day.
The staging was kept simple and props were used to differentiate between different characters and different locations. I liked the fact that it was so simple because it meant the focus remained on the characters and the story being told. The musical accompaniment of eight were on stage throughout. The whole vibe was Irish, giving a nod to the Irish decent of many Newfoundland residents, and this was also evident in the instruments and the music. We were treated to a couple of sea shanties and the sound of the fiddle and Irish flute! The show ended with a wonderful performance from the musicians centre stage, sending everybody home on a high with a kick in their step!
In summary, my opinion has changed. This is a must-see show and I would recommend everyone go see it! And everyone should ‘Kiss the fish!!’
Rating: 5/5
Come From Away is showing at Milton Keynes Theatre until Saturday 30th November
Tickets available from £48.00 subject to a transaction fee of £3.80
For more information and to book, Come From Away Tickets | Milton Keynes Theatre in Milton Keynes | ATG Tickets
https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/come-from-away/milton-keynes-theatre/?gad_source=