Come From Away at Leicester Curve Theatre Review
DISCLOSURE – TICKETS TO SEE THE SHOW WERE GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER AND GUEST FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW
Reviewed by Louise Edwards
Award winning musical, Come From Away, is on its first nationwide UK tour, starting off at the wonderful Leicester Curve theatre located in the Cultural Quarter of the city.
Written by married writing team, Irene Sankoff and David Kein, Come from Away is a poignant portrayal of human resilience and compassion amidst the chaos of tragedy. Set against the backdrop of the September 11 attacks, this musical takes audiences on a journey of hope, kindness, and unity.
The plot revolves around the true story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, welcomed thousands of stranded passengers when 38 flights were diverted on September 11, 2001. Through a series of intertwining narratives, the play explores themes of community, acceptance, and the power of human connection that took place over those five days when American airspace was closed. It is an incredible story of how, when all barriers are stripped away people from all walks of life can work together in challenging circumstances to get through.
The cast delivers stellar performances, capturing the diverse emotions experienced by both the stranded passengers and the residents of Gander. Playing multiple roles, each actor brings depth and authenticity, drawing the audience into the heart of the story with their compelling portrayals. I loved Jamal Zulfiqar playing multiple characters including Kevin J, partner to Kevin T, a New Yorker who just wants to get home, and also Ali, an Egyptian chef who suffers racism but who just wants to help. Another standout was Sara Poyzer as Beverley, a female pilot of the plane, who also plays Annette a Gander resident working in the primary school. Every cast member however is incredible and the 15 musical numbers delivered by individuals and together are poignant and beautiful.
The play opens to a typical morning in Gander; the bus drivers are on strike, the schoolkids arrive reluctant to study on such a sunny day and, we are introduced to a few residents of Gander, going about their daily routines. One by one they switch on the radio and hear the news of what is happening in New York.
Up in the air, the blissfully ignorant passengers on an American Airlines flight heading to Texas are informed their plane has to land suddenly. They are told not to panic but no one knows what is going on. Landing on the tarmac they then have to wait in their plane for hours, as they away further details of what to do.
The musical score, infused with Celtic influences, perfectly complements the storytelling, adding depth and emotion to each scene. Led by musical director, Andrew Corcoran, the band are on stage throughout and intertwine seamlessly with the cast. The lyrics are both poignant and uplifting, capturing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.
The direction by Christopher Ashley and production design of “Come From Away” at Leicester Curve are top-notch. The staging is inventive and dynamic, seamlessly transitioning between multiple locations and characters with ease.
In today’s world, where division and discord often dominate the headlines, “Come From Away” serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, kindness, and solidarity. The story resonates deeply with audiences, inspiring hope and renewing faith in the inherent goodness of humanity.
At the end the whole theatre are on their feet to give a well deserved and rousing standing ovation and the whole cast, including the standbys come onto stage joined by the producer and writers themselves!
Rating: 5/5.
Come from Away is on at Leicester Curve until Saturday 9 March 2024 then across the country. Ticket prices vary from £10.
To book online
https://www.curveonline.co.uk/whats-on/shows/come-from-away/
The Curve theatre,60 Rutland Street, Leicester,LE11UT.
Box Office 01162423560
Photo credit Craig Sugden