Come From Away

Whitworth Amateur Musical & Dramatic Society’s production of Come From Away was nothing short of a masterclass in musical theatre. From the very first note to the final heartfelt moment, the audience was completely
captivated — smiling through tears, swept up in the rhythm, emotion, and sheer power of the performance.
Directed by Mark Rosenthal, with Gemma Price as Musical Director and Joanne Farrell as Choreographer, this production radiated passion and precision. It was clear that the creative team poured their hearts into every moment — and the result
was theatre at its absolute best. Every beat, every movement, every change of pace was executed with confidence and care, showing a deep understanding of what makes this story so special.

The staging was wonderfully inventive — simple but incredibly effective. Chairs and tables became everything from plane cabins to town halls, and the ever-present live band gave the piece an organic, immersive energy. Along the back of the stage, a wooden wall stood as both a constant and a chameleon — transforming fluidly throughout the show, most memorably as the loading bay of the planes. It was a beautiful, thoughtful touch that grounded the whole production in authenticity.

This was clearly a true passion project for the entire production team. Mark Rosenthal’s direction was sharp and deeply human, Gemma Price’s musical leadership was flawless, and Joanne Farrell’s choreography was exquisite — full of folk-inspired flair and seamless transitions that never once felt forced. The movement of set, props, and people across the stage was effortless, and the ensemble’s unity was breathtaking. You could feel the connection between cast and
audience growing with every number — the sheer joy on everyone’s faces was absolutely infectious.

Turning to the technical team — they were the unsung heroes of the night. Philipa Jepson’s costuming was impeccable, designed to allow for those quick transitions as actors shifted between characters. With just a jacket, a scarf, or a hat, entire new lives appeared before us. It was a joy to watch the fluidity of these transformations. Lighting, by Rob Armstrong, Connor Hasler-Oneil, and Alison Hasler-Oneil, was pitch-perfect. Each cue landed with precision, enhancing emotion, spotlighting key moments, and blending beautifully with the choreography. Their work elevated the
atmosphere from start to finish.

And then, of course, the live band — an inspired choice that brought an extra heartbeat to the performance. Featuring Gemma Price, David Price, Adam Dutch, Emily McArthur, Michael Howarth, Kevin Brock, Jeremy Sleith, and Dan Malone, the musicians were as much a part of the story as the actors. Their presence onstage added energy and authenticity, and every audience member relished those musical interludes.

Now to the cast — and what a cast it was! Every performer gave 100%, embodying their characters with truth, warmth, and precision. The acting, singing, and storytelling were uniformly excellent, creating an ensemble that was electric in its
togetherness. If I could mention each of you by name, I would — because you all played a crucial part in this emotional tapestry. But a few standout performances simply can’t go unmentioned:

Sophie Lord — your portrayal of multiple roles was phenomenal. The contrast between your characters, the emotional depth, and the honesty you brought to each scene were Amazing. You made the audience laugh and cry in equal measure — and I can assure you, that’s not easy to do. A powerful, moving performance.
Arthur Roadknight — captivating from start to finish. Your transformations between characters were instant and believable, achieved with something as simple as a change of shirt and a shift in energy. Those higher harmonies and riffs didn’t go
unnoticed either — beautifully done. Your comedic timing and fearless approach made your work stand out as truly special.
Isobell Cunliffe — what a wonderfully grounded and relatable performance. You offered a sense of warmth and comfort to the audience, acting as our bridge into the story. Each character was distinct, your timing impeccable, and your presence
magnetic.
The rest of the cast — Alison Foy, Andy Kelly, Lisa Lott, Megan Wood, MJ, Gareth Baddely, Louise Maloney, and Zac McIntyre — were sensational.
Each performer brought authenticity, energy, and heart to their roles. The atmosphere throughout the performance was electric — it’s no wonder the audience rose to their feet in a well-deserved standing ovation.

And a final special mention must go to Nick Angus, whose performance was layered and deeply thoughtful. Tackling difficult, sensitive material with such understanding and grace is no small task, and Nick did so beautifully, delivering
moments that truly resonated. In short, this Come From Away was a triumph — heartfelt, human, and utterly
unforgettable. The production team, cast, and musicians together created a piece of theatre that reminded us of the best of humanity: kindness, connection, and community.

Whitworth A.M.D.S., you should be incredibly proud. This was something very special indeed. I can’t wait to see what you do next. Thank you for inviting my guest and I.

Craig Pinnington
District 5 Assistant Representative

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