(AD – PRESS NIGHT) COME FROM AWAY HULL NEW THEATRE REVIEW
TUESDAY 4TH JUNE 2024 @ 7.30PM
***** 5/5
I won’t lie, this was a much-anticipated night for me as my favourite musical was in town. I’ve been sad ever since it closed on the West End. Here’s my Come From Away Hull New Theatre review.
PRE-SHOW THOUGHTS
I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited for a touring production, other than maybe Six. Come From Away quickly became one of my favourite musicals after seeing it back in 2020 and 2022. It’s such an uplifting show, considering its plot. However, I always say it’s a musical for people who always say they don’t like musicals.
THE CAST
First of all, with just a small cast of twelve and no starring role, it’s more of an ensemble piece. Every actor plays at least one Newfoundlander and one plane person amongst other roles. They barely get five minutes off stage throughout the 100 minute performance and with how fast-paced the show is, I’m always so impressed with their memory and stamina!
Each performer gets a starring moment as both an Islander and a plane person in one song or another and they seamlessly blend between characters almost instantly. Every voice is pitch perfect and spot on with their accents too. This touring cast is stacked, with every member having an extensive resume. You can tell that they love what they’re doing and they also seem to be having the best time up on stage!
In this production, the cast were:
- Natasha J. Barnes as Janice and others
- Daniel Crowder as Nick, Doug and others
- Mark Dugdale as Kevin T, Garth and others
- Rosie Glossop as Bonnie and others
- Amanda Henderson as Beulah and others
- Kirsty Hoiles as Diane and others
- Oliver Jacobson as Oz and others
- Dale Mathurin as Bob and others
- Nicholas Pound as Claude and others
- Sara Poyzer as Beverley, Annette and others
- Bree Smith as Hannah and others (her ‘I Am Here’ rendition was outstanding)
- Jamal Zulfiqar as Kevin J, Ali and others (Kevin J. has all the best one-liners)
THE MUSIC
The best part of Come From Away has to be the score. It’s pretty folky as a whole but you get a couple of musical theatre-style ballads. Prayer is one of my favourite tracks because it showcases tolerance and people coming together when they don’t speak the same language (ironic because I’m an atheist).
I also think that Welcome to the Rock is the best opening number of all time. It sets up the story so well and gives you such a strong idea of community and gratitude right from the off. If you go to see the show, definitely stay for the band’s Screech Out after the bows. Each musician is insanely talented and it’s nice that they get their moment to show off too!
THE PRODUCTION
Now this is where some people criticise. The set itself is pretty plain but I think it fits with the story well. This show is about the plot, the music and the community made so a razzle-dazzle set would look out of place. Each prop has to be in its particular spot for each number and this production always lets the talent on stage shine instead of having props take over.
The only issue I had was the sound on some microphones was slightly distorted. However, it’s often an issue at Hull New Theatre so I’m starting to think it’s a Hull problem and not a tour/show problem!
FINAL THOUGHTS
Seriously, even if you’re not that into musicals, Come From Away is a unique experience. Everyone remembers the horrific events of 9/11 but this show somehow seems to find the uplifting side of tragedy: community and generosity. It’s based on the true story of Gander and the surrounding towns and the characters are either based on real-life people involved or a couple of people merged into one role.
I would recommend anybody to watch Come From Away so you can find the rest of the tour dates here. I’ve already got one more stop booked in for Sheffield and hope to see it in Salford too. If you enjoyed this Come From Away Hull New Theatre review, you can check out my other theatre reviews right here. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok too.
