Come From Away

Come from Away a musical staged and performed by Preston Musical Comedy Society at Preston Playhouse Theatre, Market Street, Preston on Thursday 4th September 2025.

Wow... this was my first time watching this musical and having read and heard so many wonderful things about it ... would I be disappointed – hardly!  This truly is a heart-warming story from a book, music and lyrics by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, about the residents from a small town in Newfoundland, Canada called Gander and how they welcomed, cared for 6,579 passengers from 100 countries, who’d been travelling on 38 planes all of which had been diverted from their original destinations in the States to Gander, after the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11th 2001 in New York, known forever as 9/11!  BUT the creators of this story are quick to point out that this isn’t a story about September 11th, rather a story about September 12th .... about how people can care about others; a reminder of what we are all capable of doing for others ... especially in those darkest of times!

A cast of fourteen took to the stage to skilfully and sensitively guide us through this amazing true story. From ‘doubt to despair’ from ‘laughter to love’, this musical really does take you on an emotional rollercoaster of a ride.  The show opened with the full company on stage delivering the foot stomping “Welcome to the Rock” and culminated with a truly amazing finale!  We, the audience, were fully engaged throughout! There were moments when you could have heard a pin drop to moments of laughter, some accompanied by tears, that just swept across the audience like a wave!  If a ‘standing ovation’ was ever deserved, it was after this performance ... but that wasn’t the end! The appearance of ‘the band’ centre stage, kept us, the audience, on our feet, stamping, clapping and just generally celebrating what we’d just witnessed for many minutes longer ... thank you Preston, you really did do this ‘true story’ justice!

Production Team ... leading us through this emotional roller coaster of a ride was Hannah Bates (Director /Musical Staging) and Craig Smith (Musical Director) and what an amazing job they did! I had the privilege to speak with Hannah after the performance and there was little or no doubt that she truly was honoured to have been asked to be one of the first amateur theatre directors (first in the North West I think) to be given the opportunity to direct this wonderful musical.  It was also obvious that she was so proud of her cast/crew, for their commitment over a seven-week period to get this amazing story to stage. I think one of the main challenges for this musical is to keep it moving, an hour and 40 mins with no interval is no mean feat and the cast play a super important part in that.  Honestly, I have no idea how they kept up with where those chairs and tables had to be located, especially when most of the people sat in them, had to be lit by a single light as they spoke or sung! What can I say about Craig and his ‘Band’ ... sensational, authentic with a fiddle and folk strings.... they enhanced this production ever so much, every credit Craig.  Be proud both of you, it was obvious, from first note till last, that your vision and ideas worked ever so well ... be proud, all of you, in what you helped achieve!      

The Cast... as previously stated, we had a cast of fourteen who really did work their ‘socks off’ and I don’t feel any guilt at all by listing them all and their characters first up ...
Glen Hanmer played ‘Claude/Others’;  Jo Duckworth – Beverley/Annette/Others
Eleanor Jolliffe – ‘Janice/Others’;  Gemma Jones – ‘Bonnie/Others’;
Bruce McLaren – ‘Oz/Others’;  Hannah Ayres – ‘Beulah/Others’;
Neil McKnight – ‘Kevin T/Garth/Others’;  Brian Spar – ‘Kevin J./Ali/Others’;
Mark Kendall – ‘Nick/Doug/Others’;  Delphine Walton – ‘Diane/Others’.
Aaron Owen – ‘Bob/Others’; Samira Rankin – ‘Hannah/Others’;
Nicola Hindle – ‘Crystal/Others’; Akin Omotoke – ‘Muhumuza/Others’.
I’m never one to ‘sit on the fence or shirk responsibility’ when it comes to MY ‘show reports and this is where I would normally start identifying favourites, MY favourites ... but I’m not sure that approach would be appropriate in this instance!  Why, simply because to start suggesting that someone was better than someone else, would be, in my opinion, be wrong! HONESTLY without fear of retort ... the success of this production wasn’t down to an individual; it truly was all about a ‘total team effort’! Every cast/crew/production team member brought their ‘A’ game, leaving nothing to chance! The cast brought their own unique energy, talent and emotional intensity to each and every character, each telling their own personal story. The production, with its folk-rock score, powerful harmonies and emotional storytelling was nothing short of outstanding. The atmosphere created was electric, the pace never faltered, which carried this production effortlessly from one moment to the next. Congrats one and all... sensational, be ever so proud!

Staging/Set/Tech ... we were greeted with an open stage with cast members coming and going.  Set was minimal; a wooden latted construction filled the rear of the stage which had a working cut out door located stage right. Loved the LED lights situated in between the lattes which were used ever so well to create atmosphere and location. Sufficient exit and entry points allowed the production to flow with ease. Stage Furniture included a couple of tables and I would suggest fourteen chair (didn’t count them), sufficient to accommodate each cast member which were moved continuously (by cast) with military precision. Congrats to Liam Burns (Stage Manager) and to Infinity Technical Services for set design and construction.  Lighting – was well thought out and designed, highlighting mood and moment operated by Sam Robinson-Davies. Sound was well balanced and supportive of the cast and band ... overseen by Matt Hughes.    

The Band ... loved, loved, loved the band who were situated on stage to the rear, both stage left and right. Their effort, enthusiasm and expertise not only supported the cast and the production, but enhanced it ever so much!  Under the watchful eye of Craig Smith (Musical Director) ... with Chris Demetriou (Fiddle), Tony Harrison (Drums), Michael Mayor (Bass), Paul Sanderson (Guitars), Adam Skyrme (Folk Strings), John Woodhouse (Woodwind) and David Seamans (Percussion) ... they provided outstanding musical support to all cast members and the production as a whole. The bands appearance during the finale and their musical support of that finale was ever so impressive and well received, I didn’t think anyone wanted it to stop if I’m honest ... be proud!

Wardrobe/Props... looked authentic, perfect for the period and enhanced the production ever so much ... under the watchful eye of Lisa Jolliffe/Ruth Phillips (Wardrobe) and Lauren Twist (Props).

Thanks to Mark, Dec and Eddie for their welcome and hospitality throughout, it really is always appreciated. Having seen your last two productions, I’m now feeling like part of the furniture!  All the best for the future... thanks again for inviting my wife and I and to this amazing production!

Stay safe, Keep well ...
Stronger Together
Jim Briscoe 
NODA NW
District 6 Rep

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