23/07/2026
Ella Thomas Vocal Studio is proud to support Ella and the cast and crew of Come From Away!! Have a wonderful opening night everyone!!
First review of COME FROM AWAY is in and it's 5 stars! - 'a production that will live long in the memory'...
Review: Come From Away – A Triumph of Humanity on the Playhouse Stage by Owen Jackson
I'm not entirely sure what my expectations were when I sat down for the final dress rehearsal of Come From Away, but whatever they were, they were completely blown away.
South Canterbury Drama League has produced something truly special.
Based on the remarkable true events following the September 11 terrorist attacks, Come From Away tells the story of the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. Home to just 9,000 people, the community suddenly found itself welcoming almost 7,000 stranded airline passengers after North American airspace was closed and dozens of international flights were diverted to Gander Airport.
What unfolds isn't simply a story about a global tragedy. It's a story about ordinary people responding to extraordinary circumstances with humour, compassion, generosity, resilience, friendship and love.
At its heart, it's a celebration of humanity. The cast has a huge challenge. Every performer takes on multiple roles, changing characters seamlessly while keeping the audience completely invested. It requires versatility, precision and enormous energy, and this talented ensemble delivers on every front.
The singing is consistently strong, with a number of standout vocal moments throughout the production. Under the musical direction of Catherine Carr, the harmonies are rich, confident and beautifully balanced. Just as importantly, the music never overwhelms the story. Every song feels like a natural extension of the narrative, helping us connect even more deeply with the people behind the real-life events.
The dialogue is sharp and authentic, giving each performer the opportunity to explore their characters while allowing the audience to laugh, reflect and, at times, become deeply moved.
Visually, the production is equally impressive. The lighting is slick, purposeful and perfectly matched to the emotion of each scene. The set itself is relatively simple, but the staging is incredibly clever. Chairs become aeroplanes, buses, bars and homes as the cast flows effortlessly from one moment to the next without missing a beat.
Director and choreographer Petrina Chisholm should be immensely proud of what she and her team have achieved. Every movement feels deliberate, every scene has purpose and every member of the cast contributes to a production that is polished, heartfelt and emotionally authentic.
One thing that struck me before the show even began was the excitement backstage. You could sense the performers were bursting to get out of the gate and share this story with an audience. Once the lights came up, they never looked back.
What followed was a powerhouse performance full of energy, commitment and genuine heart. The audience was completely engaged from beginning to end.
I've been to plenty of theatre productions over the years, but I can't recall too many dress rehearsals ending with a standing ovation. This one absolutely deserved it.
The intimate setting of The Playhouse only adds to the experience. You're close enough to see every expression, every emotion and every connection between the characters, making the story even more powerful.
Whether you're a devoted theatre-goer or someone who only occasionally buys a ticket, Come From Away is one of those productions you simply have to see. It's entertaining, uplifting, emotional and inspiring all at once, and it serves as a timely reminder that even in humanity's darkest moments, kindness has the power to bring people together.
The season runs until 8 August at The Playhouse on Church Street. Tickets are available through iTicket, but if the reaction at the dress rehearsal is anything to go by, I'd recommend booking sooner rather than later. Word travels quickly when a production of this quality comes to town.
South Canterbury is blessed with an incredible pool of theatrical talent, and Come From Away showcases that talent at its very best.
This is a production that will live long in the memory. ★★★★★
(Photo credit: Brad Reeve Photography)
