It was a stormy evening in Lytham as Junction Four’s production of Come From Away flew into town at Lowther Pavilion. Louise Ashcroft strapped in for a night of connection, human kindness and camaraderie.
Not long since the success of their recent performance of Return to the Forbidden Planet, this local amateur theatre company continue to deliver professional standard productions of modern musicals. Led by an innovative production team, this also gives local performers the chance to work with more contemporary material and bring this to local audiences. Having previously had to travel to Manchester to see Come From Away, I was excited to be able to see it in a local venue.
Come From Away tells the true story of planes that were grounded as a result of the 9/11 tragedy. Unable to enter the nearby air space, they were diverted and told to land elsewhere. Many of these planes ended up in Gander, Newfoundland. This tale centres around the ‘plane people’ and the residents of Gander and nearby towns who took them in. It is a story of connection, human kindness and paying it forward. It is a testament to how people can come together in the most tragic circumstances. Although there are moments of grief and despair, it also shows the camaraderie and support. Communication and connection were also further enhanced by the addition of a sign supportive interpreter for the duration of the performance.
The show starts with us all being ‘welcomed to The Rock’ with a rousing folk number from the Newfoundlanders. The band are also on stage throughout and very much a part of the action. We get to meet the residents of Gander, as the news of the 9/11 tragedy starts to break and the planes start heading in. They all share their moment of where they were when they heard the news.
The simple and effective use of wooden chairs for the set, allowed for quick scene changes to keep the action flowing – changing swiftly from plane, to bus, to local bar. Repetitive, recognisable motifs were also utilised to set the scene – on the plane people can be seen reaching for the aircon, lying back in their seats or looking out of the windows. As the cast also play multiple characters, set costume pieces, props and accents helped to distinguish between parts. An extremely strong cast dealt with the challenges posed from playing multiple parts and adopting a variety of accents and delivered some beautiful multi-part harmonies with ease.
Come From Away is a Newfoundland term for anyone not born on the island, who quickly became welcomed residents during their stay. The audience is also invited to join in as the band plays us into the bar at the end of the show and stay for drinks and music. A fitting end to a wonderful evening, after a well deserved standing ovation.
Come from Away is on until Saturday 28th March at Lowther Pavilion, Lytham St Annes. Book here. Photos by Claire Walmsley Griffiths.
