Come From Away: A Heartwarming Celebration of Humanity at Milton Keynes Theatre

It’s understandable if hearing that the events of 9/11 form the backdrop to this story gives you pause. That was certainly our reaction when we first encountered the show in the West End many years ago. However, Come From Away is not a story of tragedy—it’s a story of unity, compassion, and humanity in the face of adversity.

On that fateful day in 2001, the small town of Gander in Newfoundland saw its population nearly double when 38 planes were forced to land unexpectedly, bringing almost 7,000 strangers from around the world. The local community sprang into action, welcoming their unexpected guests with open arms, warm hearts, and a spirit of generosity that continues to inspire.

With book, music, and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come From Away achieves a remarkable balancing act—unearthing moments of heartbreak while simultaneously celebrating human kindness. It is an emotional rollercoaster, beautifully anchored by a folksy score delivered by an outstanding onstage band whose seamless integration into the production deserves its own round of applause.

We highly recommend taking the time to explore the programme or researching the true stories behind the show. Knowing these characters and events are real adds a powerful depth to the experience, and there are so many stories told, some more fleetingly than others. From the elderly Gander resident confiding his Jewish identity to a stranded rabbi, to Nick and Diane’s charming romance (spoiler: they really did marry and honeymooned in Newfoundland), these stories resonate profoundly.

The ensemble cast is nothing short of exceptional. Each performer transitions effortlessly between multiple roles, accents, and costumes, making it impossible to single out a standout performer. Every member of the cast deserves immense credit for their talent and versatility. Highlights for us included the stirring performances of "Prayer" and "Somewhere in the Middle of Nowhere," which were deeply impactful, while "Screech In" had us grinning from ear to ear.

The set design is a masterclass in simplicity. With just a few chairs, tables, and minimal props, the production invites the audience to engage their imagination, creating a vibrant and dynamic world on stage.

The cast features Natasha J Barnes (Janice and others), Daniel Crowder (Nick, Doug, and others), Mark Dugdale (Kevin T, Garth, and others), Rosie Glossop (Bonnie and others), Amanda Henderson (Beulah and others), Kirsty Hoiles (Diane and others), Oliver Jacobson (Oz and others), Dale Mathurin (Bob and others), Nicholas Pound (Claude and others), Sara Poyzer (Beverley, Annette, and others), Bree Smith (Hannah and others), and we were treated to understudy Kevin Yates (Kevin J, Ali, and others).

For us, Come From Away is a show that celebrates the best of humanity. It’s an absolute must-see, and we urge anyone to catch it during its run at Milton Keynes Theatre and beyond. This is a story and production that will stay with you long after the final curtain falls.