Attending the opening night of “Come From Away” at the Grand Opera House in Belfast was an experience that surpassed all expectations. I walked into the theatre with a vague familiarity of the song “Me and The Sky,” which poignantly tells the story of Beverley Bass, the first female commercial captain for American Airlines. Given the emotional depth of that song, I initially assumed the play would centre around her narrative. However, I couldn’t have been more mistaken.
“Come From Away” is a captivating exploration of the lives of various individuals affected by the events of 9/11. The story is brought to life by a core cast of 12 actors, each masterfully portraying multiple characters. The casting was impeccable, with each performer seamlessly transforming into a different persona by simply donning a jacket and altering their accent. This talented ensemble, with extensive stage and screen experience ranging from “Casualty” to “Mamma Mia!,” delivered a performance that was both convincing and deeply moving.
The choreography was another highlight, with the ensemble dancing in perfect synchronisation and moving energetically around the stage, leaping to and from chairs and tables. The set, too, was stunning, featuring dynamic and layered lighting that illuminated a wooden back panel, tree trunks, and wooden furniture. These elements were rearranged creatively to depict various settings, from an aeroplane to the town of Gander in Newfoundland, Canada, where the bulk of the play is based.
The narrative pulled me in from the start, and I found myself fighting back tears for much of the 1 hour and 40 minutes runtime (featuring 15 musical numbers). The storytelling was powerful, weaving together the experiences of a mother desperately trying to contact her firefighter son in New York, an Egyptian chef navigating the newfound fear of Arabs post-attack, and many others.
Supporting the diverse cast was a team of live musicians who delivered an outstanding performance, even joining the cast on stage for the finale. The energetic electric guitar player was particularly impressive.
Overall, “Come From Away” at the Grand Opera House is a must-see. It’s a poignant, heartwarming, and beautifully executed production that reminds us of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.
Tickets can be booked on the Grand Opera House website running until 29th June. A captioned performance will be available on Thursday 27th June at 8:00pm. The production contains Flashing Camera Lights and Haze.