Come From Away
Storyhouse, Chester
15/04/26 - 18/04/26
Come from Away, which concluded its run at Storyhouse this evening is the latest show from Tip Top Productions
Directed by the experienced Tip Top team of Simon Philips and Rhian Lyon, the musical tells the fact based story of the passengers of 38 planes grounded in Newfoundland following the terror attacks of September 11th. With a run time of 100 minutes with no interval, the fast paced musical begins with the toe tapping “Welcome to the Rock” as we are introduced to the locals of the distant Canadian island. With thrusting dance moves and powerful harmonies, the memorable opener sets the standard for the rest of the show.
As the chaos of 2001 unfolds, the islanders warmly take the 1000s of passengers into their community, feeding and housing them. Friendships form over 5 days and along the way love begins, and love ends, for some. Moments of quiet sadness contrast with joy, humour and togetherness. Not afraid to tackle darker themes, the prejudice experienced by an Egyptian Muslim, played by Tip Top regular Phil Cross was well illustrated, and given that the musical is set 25 years ago, made me wonder how far , or not so far, we have come.
Staged on a basic set, with an arrangement of chairs representing a plane for example, this minimalism is barely noticeable as the charismatic cast dominate every corner of the stage. Many of the cast of 12 rotate between various roles via a change of clothing, a hat or accent. All the cast were superb but particularly impressive were 2 performers making their Tip Top debuts : Kate Gordon as pilot Beverley shows off her powerful voice in solo number “Me and the Sky” , and Wesley Ray showed versatility playing Bob and other roles in the ensemble.
Far from Away tells a moving story about the power of the human spirit, performed to a professional standard by an extremely talented local cast. As the Irish influenced band came on stage for the finale for a standing ovation, I was hoping for an encore. The cast and crew are a credit to our region and to see them on stage at our theatre is as ever, a special feeling.
Five stars *****
Come From Away – Storyhouse, Chester
16 April 2026
On September 11th 2001, the world came to a horrifying stop following a terrorist attack in the USA. As it became clear that the first plane crashing into the World Trade Centre North tower was a deliberate act, US airspace was closed and hundreds of planes across the world were diverted.
Come from Away tells the tale of the little town of Gander, in Newfoundland, Canada, whose airport became a haven for many of those flights, and shines a spotlight on those in the community who rallied to help those stuck far from home, many initially unaware of what had unfolded that terrible morning as they finally stumbled off the planes they had been stuck on for many hours.
Tonight, Tip Top Productions brought the story to life in a production that, quite simply, would rival any professional staging. It helps that the show, created by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, has been beautifully crafted from the anecdotes of the islanders who opened their homes and hearts to those caught in that day’s dreadful events, and those who found themselves stranded.
Despite the subject matter, the script is warm and packed with humanity and humour. And the music moves the story through every emotion – joy, heartbreak, love and quiet reflection – feeling deeply personal yet with a huge sense of community and unity.
Under the sensitive and slick co-direction of Simon Phillips and Rhian Lyon, the company has done both themselves and the story absolute justice in a near flawless account of the one-act show. The staging is hugely effective in its simplicity as the cast glide chairs and tables around to form community centres, bars, buses and planes, moving the story along with pace and pathos.
This is an ensemble that supports each other with love and respect in a way that lifts each individual actor up as they share the stories of a multitude of characters who, for five days, called Gander home.
It’s very difficult to call out individual performances as everyone is equally superb, with consistent and convincing accents, nuanced deliveries and bringing Rhian’s sympathetic choreography wonderfully to life.
Kate Gordon, as pilot Beverly, gives us a beautiful, heartfelt rendition of ‘Me and the Sky’; Natalie Meyers’ performance as Hannah, desperately awaiting news of her firefighter son back in New York, is incredibly moving; Rob Lyon’s bumbling Brit, Nick, is utterly charming in his awkwardness as he navigates a budding ‘will they, won’t they?’ romance with fellow passenger Diane (played with sincerity and warmth by Sandra Jones). The whole company delivers a barnstorming performance of ‘Screech In’ as our arrivals are introduced to the islanders’ way of life.
The 9/11 attacks may have left deep emotional scars for many, but tonight we had a reminder that, nestled in the heartbreak, people of all nationalities pulled together to ensure that they found the collective strength to carry on and face the life-changing consequences that followed.
Tip Top have given us a show that both deeply moves and uplifts the audience, and it is no surprise that they are on their feet applauding before the final notes have been sung. It is a performance that the company can be hugely proud of, one which will linger in the memory for a long time to come.
Come from Away runs until Saturday 16th April. For tickets, visit www.storyhouse.com/whats-on/tip-top-come-from-away/
Reviewer: Lou Steggals
Reviewed: 15th April 2026
North West End UK Rating: FIVE STARS
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