Telling a joyous true story of friendship in the wake of crisis, Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s heart-warming musical has Come From Away to the West End, where it was named Best New Musical at the Olivier Awards 2019 with Mastercard.
One of four Olivier wins for the hit show – which also included Outstanding Achievement in Music, Best Theatre Choreographer (for Kelly Devine) and Best Sound Design (for Gareth Owen) – the musical has a glittering array of accolades to its name. Before arriving in London, it played record-breaking runs in Canada, across the USA and on Broadway, where it was also nominated for seven Tony Awards (winning Best Direction of a Musical).
Come From Away tells the incredible real-life tale of the 7,000 air passengers grounded in Canada after 9/11. On 11 September 2001 the world stopped in the wake of crisis. On 12 September, their stories moved us all.
Set in the small Newfoundland community of Gander, which invited these “come from aways” into their homes and lives, the musical shows how, despite initial nerves and tensions, uneasiness soon gave way to trust. And as music soared into the night, gratitude grew into friendship, and hope, humanity and unity prevailed.
Through a colourful and spirited cast of characters, Come From Away is brought to life by the Tony and Grammy-nominated writing team Irene Sankoff and David Hein. West End favourite Alice Fearn leads an ensemble cast which also includes Alasdair Harvey and Kate Graham who previously starred in Mamma Mia! at the Novello Theatre.
The musical has earned widespread plaudits, and is now – true to its globe-trotting subject matter – making its way all over the world, with an Australian production confirmed for summer 2019, and a feature film adaptation in the works.
Come From Away features spectacular musical staging by Kelly Devine, music supervision and arrangements by Ian Eisendrath, scenic design by Beowulf Boritt, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Howell Binkley, sound design by Gareth Owen, orchestrations by August Eriksmoen, and casting by Pippa Ailion CDG and Natalie Gallacher CDG.
Don’t miss the opportunity to discover this remarkable true story of a small town that welcomed the world.
Looking for more about Come From Away? Here’s our ‘Everything You Need To Know’ guide!
And if you’re a teacher/careers advisor, Education Packs for this show (and more) are available in our Schools Resources area.