Come From Away
★★★★☆ Heartfelt
Assembly Rooms (Venue 20): Wed 19 – Sun 30 Aug 2026
Review by Shuang Ning Tan
Captivate Theatre’s Come From Away, at the Assembly Rooms, chronicles the power of community and compassion in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, which stranded thousands of people from around the world in Newfoundland.
Based on a true story, Come From Away features two groups of people: the townsfolk in Gander, Newfoundland; and the plane people, who were travelling in the air when the September 11 attacks happened. After the United States airspace shuts down, travellers landed in Gander, where the population nearly doubled overnight. The Newfoundlanders come together to play host on short notice. Meanwhile, marooned far from home, the plane people are forced to grapple with their mixed feelings.
A scene from Captivate Theatre’s Come from Away. Pic Malik Tajumul.
The production is beautiful in its simplicity. Sandra Karolak’s set is minimalist; in fact, there is only a stack of wooden crates with handles. These crates are cleverly repurposed throughout the show as tables, airplane seats, cabin baggage, pet carriers, and much more. Mairi Cross builds on this concept with distinct yet ordinary wardrobe choices. Actors wear anti-costumes: down-to-earth everyday clothing that perfectly displays the atmosphere of a small town.
In an ensemble cast, it is difficult to single out any performance. The show is at its best when everyone comes together. One standout moment is the song ‘In the Bar/Heave Away’, during which everyone gathers in a bar to celebrate their time in Gander. It is an incredibly human scene of having fun/hope in the wake of tragedy.
The live band is absolutely fantastic. These talented band members are our first glimpse and final sendoff from the Come From Away world. It is not only their distinctive instruments (accordion, mandolin, whistles, etc.) which sets them apart, but also their stage presence. Instead of being hidden away in some forgotten corner of the theatre, they share the stage with the actors, visually demonstrating the show’s message of togetherness. Some band members even join the party in the bar scene.
Balance
Every actor embodies multifaceted characters, and Sally Lyall’s direction manages to balance their individual tragedies with humour. Flick Hannah’s Captain Beverley Bass (alternately portrayed by choreographer Danielle Logan) showcases both strength and grief in her emotional solo song Me and the Sky, belting out powerful lyrics while her voice gradually breaks with emotion. Aaron De Veres and Rebecca Holmes also convey much vulnerability in their roles, struggling to integrate into the community.
A scene from Captivate Theatre’s Come from Away. Pic Malik Tajumul.
It’s not all gloom and doom, however: the show is full of joy and tenderness. Peter Tomassi, for example, takes on various charismatic personas with impeccable comedic timing, alongside Sophie Gee’s starstruck schoolteacher Annette. Sarah Louise Donnelly’s Beulah (also portrayed by Christine Mills) often tells jokes that aren’t particularly funny, yet still wins us over with her welcoming warmth.
heartfelt and moving
Nevertheless, the production could benefit from more breathing space. Many comedic lines feel slightly rushed. While the performers show great enthusiasm across the board, we can’t connect with any individual character for long before being confronted by the next person. Having an ensemble cast – with fourteen actors to keep track of – is the show’s greatest strength, as well as its greatest hindrance.
Overall, Captivate Theatre’s lively production is a heartfelt and moving depiction of a community weathering a crisis together. Its powerful message of unity and kindness is a hopeful one, and increasingly relevant now.
Running time: One hour and 40 minutes (no interval).
Assembly Rooms (Ballroom), 54 George Street EH2 2LR (Venue 20).
Wednesday 19 – Sunday 30 August 2026.
Daily: 2.20pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Tickets direct from venue: Book here.
Captivate website: www.captivatetheatre.com/
Facebook: @captivatetheatre
Instagram: @captivatetheatre
TikTok: @captivate_theatre
A scene from Captivate Theatre’s Come from Away. Pic Malik Tajumul.
ENDS
