Edinburgh Fringe 2025
Come From Away
Captivate Theatre
Genre: Musical Theatre, Opera and Operatic Theatre
Venue: Bijou at Assembly Rooms
Festival: Edinburgh Fringe
Low Down
Come From Away” is an award-winning musical that tells the story of the generosity of the citizens of the Canadian province of Newfoundland during the weeks following the September 11 attacks in the U.S. The show title comes from the phrase that locals use to describe anyone not from Newfoundland and Labrador – if you are not local, you are “from away”.
Review
“Come From Away” is an award-winning musical that has captivated audiences since it was first released in 2015. Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, this show tells the story of the generosity of the citizens of the Canadian province of Newfoundland during the weeks following the September 11 attacks in the U.S. The show title comes from the phrase that locals use to describe anyone not from Newfoundland and Labrador – if you are not local, you are “from away”.
On September 11, 2001, at 9:26 am the US Federal Aviation Agency shut down American air space in response to terrorist attacks, forcing 4000 planes to divert to their nearest airports. Flights from Europe landed in Canada.
By noon, planes were sent to Gander International Airport, in Newfoundland, Canada. By 4:40 pm a total of 38 planes with 6579 passengers landed. In the early years of aviation, the Gander Airport had served as an obligatory stop for refueling between Europe and the U.S. but with the production of larger planes that could fly across the ocean without stopping, there was no need to stop. But on 9/11, that airport became a safe haven for thousands of passengers.
Neither Gander, with a population of nearly 10,000, nor towns in the surrounding area had enough hotel space for the stranded passengers. Rogers TV Community station put out a call to “lend a hand, do what you can.” Schools and nonessential businesses were closed, allowing Newfoundlanders ranging from senior citizens to schoolchildren to volunteer. A local bus strike was halted in order to move the passengers. Overnight the population nearly doubled as residents took strangers into their homes, community centres, Salvation Army centres, and schools. The kindness and compassion demonstrated the heart of Newfoundlanders. Citizens organized food and supplies, showing compassion for these scared visitors. Local drug stores literally opened their shelves to donate supplies. There is a funny scene in the show where, after requesting toilet paper from the community, the organizer tells the locals to stop delivering to the Lion’s Club, as they were overwhelmed by that item.
In 2011, writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein interviewed Gander residents and former passengers. They recorded their memories and emotions, and condensed the interviews into a 100-minute show, which made it to Broadway, the West End, and extensive touring, earning Tony and Olivier Awards. This production by Captivate Theatre is the premiere of “Come From Away “at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Despite the small stage of the Spiegeltent at Assembly, the company has cleverly used the sides and aisles to fill the space effectively with character blocking and members of the band. There are wooden cartons on stage that double as plane seats, luggage, tables, and more. The cast is very strong. They handily manage playing multiple roles, demanding flexibility and insights. They have mastered all of the accents, from the Newfoundland twang to a Texas drawl to a British posh speech pattern to an African language. They are all triple-threats – dancers, singers, actors who own the roles and deliver outstanding performances.
Many characters in the show are based on real people, including Gander’s mayor, residents and airline personnel. Beverley Bass was the first female captain for American Airlines. Police Constable Oz Fudge bought a birthday cake to feed 350 people with the group of sick children who were supposed to be flying to Disney World. Beulah Cooper took people shopping for clothes and helped make food. Reporter Brian Mosher is half of the real-life inspiration for the character of reporter Janice Mosher.
The Mayor of nearby Appleton was asked why he gave one of the passengers his car. He quipped, “we’re an island. Where were they going to go?” Locals boosted the spirits of the visitors with activities and kindness. There is a moment in the show where an American passenger worries about leaving her wallet in the home of a stranger, and then comes to trust the locals. In another scene, she is asked to take barbeques from each of the houses and bring them to a central location. She is certain she will be arrested, but instead of a homeowner calling the police, he invites her in for tea. That is Newfoundland hospitality.
Each of these characters brings a unique perspective to the unfolding events. There are some touching moments, like the warm relationship that develops between Beulah and Hannah, a passenger who is trying to reach her New York firefighter son. Kevin and Kevin are “plane people” whose relationship unravels as the days in Gander wear on. Then there are the African passengers who are apprehensive when they are greeted by Salvation Army members in uniform, assuming, incorrectly, that these are militia. As the stories unfold, the fear and uncertainty that gripped the passengers turns into friendships.
The songs move the story. “Welcome to the Rock” introduces the audience to the character and heart of Newfoundlanders. “Prayer” is a very moving piece that combines an old hymn “Make Me a Channel of Your Peace” with the Jewish “Ose Shalom” prayer and a Muslim prayer. “Me and the Sky” is a soaring piece where Beverly Bass sings about her passion for flying. The actor playing the part of Beverly has perfectly portrays Bass’ steady hand and composure in this challenging situation. When she sings “Me and the Sky”, she grabs at our heartstrings. And there are lively songs that show the shared spirit amongst residents and visitors in “Heave Away”, set in the local bar, complete with a traditional rite of passage to become a Newfoundlander (it is an hilarious scene revolving around kissing a fish). The accompanying band is excellent, playing in traditional Canadian East Coast style, with fiddles, whistles, guitar and a borain drum.
Sally Lyall, Director: “I have loved Come From Away since I saw it in the West End a few years ago. I love its heart-warming and uplifting story and I love that it has a small cast with performers taking on many roles. It’s written to be staged in a minimalist way and that suits Captivate’s style – focusing on story-telling and talent rather than elaborate sets. When I saw that the amateur rights had come out I jumped at the opportunity.”
Go see “Come From Away”. The show will bring you to tears, put an ear-to-ear smile on your face, tug at your heart, and feel grateful for the goodness and generosity of ordinary people.
Captivate Theatre delivers professional-standard theatre that puts story, music and performance at the centre. A proudly Scottish musical theatre company dedicated to celebrating and strengthening Scotland’s creative talent. And with over 250 performers, musicians, creatives and an incredible backstage team fringe 2025 is their biggest yet with nine shows across four venues. Fraser Hume is the Musical Director.
