Come from Away

Come from Away a musical staged and performed by BOS Musical Theatre Company at the Little Theatre, Hoghton Street, Southport on Wednesday 27th May, 2026

This is one of those rare musicals that manages to be both heart‑warming and heart‑wrenching at the same time. Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, this extraordinary true story tells of how the residents of a tiny town called Gander in Newfoundland, suddenly finds themselves hosting 6,579 stranded airline passengers from 100 countries when 38 planes were diverted there after the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11th, 2001, in New York, forever known as 9/11! Crucially, the writers remind us, this isn’t a story about September 11th, but about September 12th — about compassion, humanity, what people are capable of when the world goes dark!

Production Team ...  guiding us through the complexities of this widely celebrated, fast‑paced, and emotionally charged whirlwind of a musical, was the ever so experienced Liz Clarke (Director), David Wall (Musical Director) and Nicola Powell (Choreographer) who was choreographing her first ever show, (Think you could’ve picked something easier Nicola!) but you absolutely rose to the challenge, loved the movement and the modern choreography. In my opinion, this is a musical that lives or dies by its casting ... which was ‘spot on’. The sheer stamina required throughout this production is no joke; the cast barely leave the stage; they switch characters in a heartbeat (sometimes literally by swapping a hat); they spend the entire show shifting chairs and tables ... oh yes and let’s not forget the singing, acting, and moving with precision which is relentless... but, they smashed it and judging by the reactions throughout — and the well‑earned standing ovation that greeted the finale — I believe the audience were in totally agreement!

The Cast...  a cast of fourteen took to the stage and from the off everyone looked well-rehearsed and up for the many challenges that lay ahead.  The cast included...

Rachael Perrett played ‘Bonnie & others’;  Alan Casserley played ‘Nick, Doug & others’;
Heather Lewis played ‘Beverley, Annette & Others’;  Craig Billington played ‘Oz & Others’;
Ben Musa played ‘Kevin T, Garth & Others’;  Sam Keen played ‘Diane, Crystal & others’;
Nick Lloyd played ‘Bob, Muhumuza & others’;  Saffron Livesey played ‘Janice & Others’;
Ben Wake played ‘Claude & Others’;  Chloe Davies played ‘Hannah & Others’;
Dom Johnson played ‘Kevin J, Ali & Others’;  Lisa Tatler played ‘Beulah & Others’;
Daniel King played ‘Wyatt & Others’ and  Aynsley Littler played ‘Hazel and Others’.

As most will know, this is where I usually ‘stick the old neck out’ and select MY favourites and MY showstopper, but, and I’ve said this before and I’ll no doubt say it again, I’m very much of the opinion, that ‘Come from Away’ is very much an ‘ensemble’ musical... with no traditional leads ... the strength lies in the collective and that was very much evident here in Southport! But, as you know, I’m never one to sit on the fence, so I’d like to give a few ‘shout-outs’ .... firstly, to
Heather Lewis’s and her portrayal of the inspirational ‘Captain Beverley Bass’. Heather gave us this commanding, wonderfully warm character who was so able to show empathy when required, her rendition of "Me and the Sky" was a highlight for me and was well received by all those present.  Loved Ben Wakes take on ‘Claude’ the Mayor of Gander. Ben brought a quiet confidence and sincerity to the proceedings whilst creating this wonderfully respected character. Next choice, the first of two ‘couples’ ... ‘Nick’ and ‘Diane’ were played extremely well by Alan Casserley and Sam Keen respectively. I’ve seen both before, but I really did think they both brought a new level to their performance. Loved Alan’s really ‘posh’ voice and the chemistry between them from the off was totally believable. Be very proud you two! Second couple, although two individuals really ... Lisa Tatler’s ‘Beulah’ and Chloe Davies’s ‘Hannah’ who worked together oh so well. I’d say Beulah is basically the ‘heart of Gander’ which Lisa captured perfectly. Hannah, a worried mother, worried about her firefighting son who she can’t contact and who were told is killed during the disaster. Individuals really, but together, they brought huge waves of emotion and empathy to the piece! The scene when Hannah finds out her son has been killed, the interaction with Lisa was especially poignant and heartfelt, loved that scene!  Honestly, I could keep going, Craig, Ben, Saffron, Chloe - this show thrives on unity and this cast delivered exactly that...YOU DID GOOD FOLKS!  

PS: Favourite line from the musical... had to be Chloe and Craig’s lines when the bus there were in had to brake sharply... they tell the passengers ... ‘THAT’S A MOOSE, HE’LL MOVE WHEN HE’S GOOD AND READY’ ... I just laughed, so did many others!

Staging/Tech... scenic design was by Infinity Technical Services ... consisted in the main of a wooden structure that filled the entire back of the set, which had two workable doors that were used well throughout. The rest was simple but effective — wooden chairs and minimal props, allowed this fast-moving story to unfold smoothly. Scene changes were slick and I’m going to stick the ‘old neck’ out again and suggest that there must have been A LOT of frustrating ‘chair rehearsals’ before ‘opening night’ ahahahaha!  LIGHTING... designed by Sam Robinson-Davies, operated by Sam and Tom Schofield was sharp and well-coordinated.  Being picky, there were the odd occasion when the principals weren’t lit, could have been a lighting issue, but it could also have been actor error… only they will know that for sure! SOUND was designed and operated by David Murray.  We did have a few slow mics, but, with all those changes, challenges, movement, plus the sheer pace of this production, I really am being very ‘nit-picky’ here, none of these very small hiccups spoiled this production... great job, well done everyone!

The Orchestra …. under the direction of David Wall (Musical Director) was brilliant — a driving force that never overpowered the singers but gave the Celtic-inspired score its signature, punch and momentum. Included: Adam Dutch (Bass); Corey Gerrard (Keys); Paul Taft (Guitar); Paul Sanderson (Guitar); Sarah Dutch (Whistles); Sam Jones (Drums) and Caitlin Monaghan (Percussion).  Loved their musical interlude during the bows with all members front and centre on stage, honestly, with the entire audience were on their feet, I didn’t think we were ever going get home… well done one and all!

Wardrobe/Props ... costumes were apt, provided by the Cast and BOS, overseen by Wendy Harris Props, looked good and were used well all under the watchful eye of Karen Browne.

Thank you so much for the invite and your hospitality throughout, Susan and I, along with the rest of the audience I would suggest, really did enjoy the production from start to finish.  Be very proud of what you all helped achieve.

Looking forward to seeing you all again in October for ‘The Band’.... luv ‘Take That’!

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

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