Come From Away

A huge ‘Congratulations’ to Axminster Musical Theatre, who have earned the incredible honour of being the first amateur society in the South West to perform the hit musical 'Come From Away'. Taking on such a widely celebrated, fast-paced, and deeply moving show is no easy feat, but Axminster delivered it with professionalism, passion, and emotional depth. This production was not only a local triumph but also a moment of national significance in amateur theatre, showcasing a performance full of humanity, humour, and hope - and setting the bar incredibly high for those who follow.

‘Come From Away’ is the remarkable true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, in the wake of the 9/11 attacks. As 38 planes unexpectedly land, the local community opens its doors and hearts to people from around the world. This uplifting, poignant musical celebrates humanity, kindness, and the extraordinary connections formed in the most unexpected of circumstances.

From the moment we arrived, Rose made us feel genuinely welcome. She was warm, attentive, and highly professional - nothing was too much trouble. Her thoughtful approach added a really positive touch to the experience. She’s a real credit to AMT and shows exactly what great hospitality looks like.

The set design was wonderfully minimal but incredibly effective. It featured a weathered wooden backdrop and a collection of wooden chairs; all used in such a smart and imaginative way. With just a few quick movements, those chairs became airplane seats, a school hall, a bar, even a bus. It was amazing how smoothly everything shifted from one scene to the next without any major set changes. I always knew exactly where we were, and it kept things moving at a great pace.

The costumes were understated yet thoughtfully chosen, perfectly capturing the everyday lives of the people at the centre of the story. The cast wore casual, contemporary clothing that felt natural and relatable. Subtle shifts in accessories like scarves, hats, or changes in layering cleverly marked different characters and locations without the need for full costume changes.

The lights dimmed, the band struck up, and the full cast of 12 hit the stage with a powerful, stirring delivery of ‘Welcome to the Rock’ that resonated through the theatre. The music and voices lifted together with breathtaking impact, instantly enveloping the audience and igniting an unforgettable energy that set the tone for the entire evening.

Claude was brilliantly brought to life with warmth and gentle wit, feeling both approachable and authentic. From his first entrance, he held the spotlight with calm confidence, adding humour and empathy that kept us engaged throughout. The performance combined compassion with a steady presence that grounded the production. His final monologue was delivered with grace and emotional honesty, leaving a lasting impact.

Bonnie was wonderfully portrayed as a shining beacon of kindness and steady strength, wrapped in devoted affection that felt natural and heartfelt. She lit up the stage with effortless vibrancy, whether caring for stranded animals or sharing quiet, reassuring moments that grounded the story. Bonnie’s thoughtful gestures and expressive delivery added layers of affection and depth, making her a truly genuine and relatable character that brought comfort and hope to every scene.

Beulah was an absolute delight, infusing the role with energy through a mix of down-to-earth humour and complete sincerity that lifted every scene. Whether offering comfort, cracking jokes, or fully embracing the moment, the performance was full of infectious spirit and joy. With impeccable timing, she blended levity and sincere tenderness effortlessly, complemented by soaring vocals that resonated throughout.

Oz was quietly unforgettable - calm and composed, with a subtle sincerity that effortlessly drew you in. He blended seamlessly with the cast, supporting the ensemble while quietly building presence, before emerging in powerful moments of earnest feeling that captured and held your full attention. His harmonies were beautifully balanced and skilfully placed, adding rich layers and texture to every number. Even in stillness, he commanded the stage with a magnetic intensity.

Janice was portrayed with sincere, grounded emotion, capturing the nervous yet determined rookie reporter’s journey with impressive nuance. Through lovely comic timing and natural vulnerability, she became a relatable and authentic figure, evolving convincingly from an overwhelmed newcomer to a confident voice amid the chaos. Janice’s honest and heartfelt delivery lent a deep sense of realism to her journey, allowing the audience to connect with her transformation in a way that felt real and deeply meaningful.

Beverley was perfectly characterized, capturing her compassionate and resilient spirit with remarkable depth. Her pioneering strength as the first female captain for American Airlines was portrayed with the presence and confidence of a true powerhouse. Fantastic vocals added richness and impact to every song, beautifully conveying her grit and determination. Consistently high energy highlighted her unwavering optimism and courage in the face of adversity, making her a standout presence from beginning to end.

Diane was portrayed with refreshing honesty and ease, making her instantly engaging and lovable. Her scenes with Nick were a highlight, their natural chemistry bringing sweet, smile-worthy moments to life. Watching their relationship blossom was pure joy, full of awkward little moments and a connection that felt real and heartwarming. Lovely vocals, expressive reactions, and playful energy lit up the stage, while a strong connection with the audience made every moment feel alive and spontaneous.

Nick was infused with gentle charm and understated humour, perfectly capturing the polite English gentleman swept up in extraordinary circumstances. His calm presence and subtle wit made him instantly likable and compelling. His on-stage relationship with Diane was a true highlight - full of tender, hesitant moments and genuine chemistry that felt honest and authentic. The delivery was thoughtful and well-paced, with strong vocals and nuanced delivery that gave the role sincerity.

Kevin T came alive with emotional depth and quiet strength, revealing a kind, slightly anxious nature and a vulnerability that added a sincere, human quality to the role. The dynamic with Kevin J was especially well played, showing a real, layered partnership full of affection and strain. Vocally assured and rooted in sincerity, Kevin T’s journey felt quietly transformative - direct and filled with a deep sense of vulnerability and tenacity.

Kevin J brought a warmth and complexity to the role, capturing his determination and quiet strength with a grounded, relatable quality. His dynamic partnership with Kevin T was electric and often hilarious, filled with moments of support, tension, and camaraderie that enriched their story. With expressive vocals and natural stage presence, Kevin J delivered a performance that was both powerful and candid, making him a standout of the show.

Bob was a breath of fresh air - radiating genuine spirit and infectious enthusiasm. With relaxed confidence, he felt effortlessly approachable and real. What stood out was the seamless blend of light-heartedness and quiet reflection, which gave the character a well-rounded and believable depth. His strong, clear vocals perfectly complemented Bob’s easy-going yet thoughtful nature, both captivating and infusing the role with unique charm.

Hannah was delivered with a compelling mix of strength and vulnerability, capturing the emotional weight of her journey with honesty and nuance. Her expressive vocals and subtle, detailed acting conveyed each moment with clarity and care, allowing the audience to follow her experience with empathy and understanding. With a natural charisma and fluidity, she moved seamlessly between tender stillness and bold strength, crafting a layered portrayal that added real poignancy to the production.

The musicians, led by the incredible Joseph Binmore, were positioned at the side of the stage - fully visible and truly part of the magic unfolding before us. Their energy and passion infused every moment, making the music feel alive and breathing alongside the performers. The rhythm, the soul, the sheer joy of the Irish music was nothing short of breathtaking. Every note was played with such heart and fire; it sent chills through the audience. It was a spectacular, unforgettable experience.

The sound and lighting design were thoughtfully crafted, working together beautifully to draw the audience into the very centre of the show. The lighting shifted with perfect timing, gently highlighting every mood and moment with subtlety and grace, while the sound was clear and well-balanced, lifting the intensity without ever overshadowing the cast. Together, they added depth and texture to the production, making each scene feel vibrant and engaging.

The direction and choreography were sharp, purposeful, and deeply considered. Every gesture, every crossing of the stage, every pause in dialogue seemed to serve a specific function, whether it was to highlight emotional subtext or guide the audience’s eye. The staging never felt static or random; instead, it was dynamic and alive, yet never distracting from the essence of the scene. What truly blew me away was the sheer precision of the cast - they knew exactly where to stand, which chair to occupy, which table to approach. Every single prop had its place, and every movement was executed with flawless timing. That level of coordination doesn’t happen by accident; it’s a testament to both the Director and Assistant Director’s vision and their meticulous attention to detail. The blocking was so precise that it became invisible - completely natural, yet clearly crafted with care. The coordination between the actors and the stage crew was nothing short of astonishing, and it made the world of the performance feel completely alive.

The production was filled with moments that truly resonated - each one bringing something special to the experience. Beulah’s brief but brilliant burst of ‘My Heart Will Go On’ was an absolute crowd-pleaser, delivered with impeccable comic timing and infectious charm. The moose scene had the entire audience laughing out loud, perfectly capturing the show’s signature blend of warmth and wit. Kevin T’s poignant lead of ‘Prayer’ was deeply moving - performed with grace, control, and emotional depth that held the audience in stillness. And finally, there was Ali - an unforgettable presence, tender yet quietly powerful, radiating a gentle strength, kindness, and softly spoken dignity. His portrayal was filled with heartfelt conviction that truly moved and captivated everyone in the theatre.

Each cast member was absolutely incredible, bringing their own unique energy, talent, and intensity to every role. The harmonies, power, and unity were nothing short of outstanding, creating a sound that was both electrifying and remarkable. The atmosphere from start to finish was absolutely electric. The pace never faltered – it carried the audience effortlessly from one moment to the next. I couldn’t quite believe what I was seeing for the full hour and 45 minutes; it was captivating, immersive, and just phenomenal.

A massive well done to the entire cast and crew - your work was nothing short of exceptional, and every detail reflected the passion and dedication behind the production. Thank you for inviting me to share in such a wonderful evening; it’s an experience that will stay with me for a very long time and one I feel truly privileged to have witnessed.

 

 

 

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