Review: Come From Away
There are musicals that entertain, and there are musicals that remind us of the very best of humanity.
Come From Away definitely belongs in the latter category, and Ipswich-based Limelight Performers’ production at the New Wolsey Theatre proves that locally produced theatre can deliver storytelling every bit as moving and polished as its professional counterparts.
Based on the extraordinary true events following the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001, Come From Away begins as all air travel across North America is abruptly grounded. At the time, I must admit I never gave much thought to what happened to the thousands of passengers already in the air until now.
The musical tells the remarkable story of 7,000 airline passengers unexpectedly diverted to the tiny Newfoundland town of Gander. What follows is an inspiring celebration of the compassion and generosity of ordinary people—a story that feels every bit as relevant today as when it first captivated audiences on Broadway and in the West End.
From the opening moments, Limelight Performers establish an infectious sense of energy and ensemble. This is a show that depends on the company working as one, with actors constantly switching between multiple characters while rarely leaving the stage. Performed straight through without an interval, every member of the cast helps create a production that flows seamlessly throughout its 90-minute running time.
The transitions between the bewildered “plane people” and the warm-hearted islanders are handled with remarkable clarity and authenticity. Rather than searching for individual star turns, this production succeeds because every performer shines. Before long, you forget you’re watching a musical and instead become completely invested in the stories of the people at its heart.
Musically, the show is equally triumphant. The live band deserves special praise for capturing the warmth and vitality of the show’s distinctive Celtic-inspired score. Performing throughout the entire production, the musicians become as much a part of the storytelling as the cast themselves.
As I’ve already said, every cast member and every musician delivers an outstanding performance. The vocal harmonies are rich, confident and beautifully blended throughout, with the company tackling the demanding score with passion and precision.
Having previously seen Come From Away in a much larger theatre, I actually feel the New Wolsey Theatre is the perfect home for this production. Its intimate setting allows the emotional impact of the story to resonate even more deeply. This is a show that will make you laugh, tap your feet to its infectious score and, almost certainly, shed a tear.
Despite dealing with such an emotional subject, one of the production’s greatest achievements is its balance. Come From Away never exploits tragedy; instead, it celebrates resilience, community and human kindness. Limelight Performers capture this beautifully, ensuring the humour feels natural, the emotion is fully earned and the optimism completely infectious. By the finale, there are few dry eyes in the house, yet audiences leave feeling uplifted rather than saddened.
Limelight Performers have created a production that honours the true story while showcasing the remarkable talent that exists within Suffolk’s amateur theatre community. Every single member of this talented company (on and off stage) deserves to be justly proud of what they have produced.
This production of Come From Away is not just worth seeing—it is essential viewing.
• Come From Away is at The New Wolsey Theatre until Saturday 18th July (2026). Book www.wolseytheatre.co.uk
Review: Mark Keable, Ipswich24 Magazine
Pictures: Big Fish Photography
