‘We all Come From Away’ – A five-star reminder of the joy of togetherness at Lowry

9/11 seems from the outside to be an unusual place to start a big stage musical but makes it both immediately striking and relatable. So many remember the date, and will remember exactly where they were, but very few will know the immeasurably kind story of the events that took place in the Newfoundland town of Gander.

The story is based on the true events in Gander whose community doubled almost overnight as all flights into the US were grounded following 9/11. 39 planes were grounded on ‘The Rock’ and Come From Away takes us frantically through the days after as locals and passengers came together in the aftermath of such tragedy.

I’ll admit, we went into the show knowing very little about what to expect but could not quite have been prepared for a breathless two hours of numbing sadness and laugh-out-loud joy.

Welcome To The Rock kicks off proceedings and we realised instantly that this was going to be above and beyond anything we might have anticipated. The relentless nature of the opening reflects, at least as much as a stage show can, what it must have been like to experience the reality of what happened on the island; the community having no time to think but only to act.

Rather than taking the audience through the grim details of what happened on that day, the writing is sensitive and delicate and instead focuses on the impact of the events on the community of Gander, both old and new.

Their stories are laced with anxiety, worry and laughter. Some make you feel warm and whole, some break your heart. There is a real balance between the seriousness of the subject matter and the heart-warming joy of makeshift community.

In one scene we see characters of all different religions praying together, completely united by their beliefs. At a time where the world is so divided, this 100-minute furore of faith is a much-needed reminder that when people do come together, there are few forces more powerful.

Incredibly, the cast of 12 swap into different roles at breathless, almost athletic pace, nobody playing just one part, and this adds to the charm and the feeling of togetherness. There are, of course, soaring solos and moments of musical genius, with a live folk band onstage, something quite unusual for musical theatre but extremely well executed. There are songs that will have you toe-tapping along, and songs that will have you stretching for a handkerchief.

Come From Away is, somewhat strangely, the perfect Christmas-time musical, a place and time to celebrate friendships, family, and togetherness. We left completely blown away and wondering when best to return.

Opening Night – “Incredible storytelling, beautifully told”

The Theatre Talk – “A beautiful testament to humanity and the ability to find the light in moments of darkness”

Stagey Reviews –  “a show about extraordinary kindness”

Come From Away runs at Lowry until Sun 5 Jan. Book your tickets using the button below.