With the West End production of Come From Away having closed 18 months after more than 1,000 performances, it is wonderful that this incredible piece of musical theatre has returned to a London stage - albeit, a little bit further out in the leafy south-west suburb of Wimbledon.
Some shows seem to lose something when leaving a West End house for the often cavernous auditoriums out on national tours - not Come From Away. If anything, this intimate show grows to fit the size of the theatre it is being performed in.
In this case, the touring production is just as moving and vibrant as it always was. Telling the stories of a handful of real-life characters, just some of the 7,000 people stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, when planes were grounded on 9/11, this musical shines the light on human kindness and generosity.
From the opening number ‘Welcome to the Rock', the tone is set for this 140-minute (no interval) show, which uses its music to grow and grow in intensity. A cast of 12 moves seamlessly between countless characters, with a relatively simple set consisting of tables and chairs, to touch upon the individual experiences from that day and those that followed.
It really is the ultimate ensemble piece and, while it would be unfair to single anyone out, Natasha J Barnes plays local television reporter Janice with humanity and humour, while Sara Poyzer gives a touching performance as pilot Beverley, culminating with the stunningly biographical ‘Me and the Sky'.
But the beauty of Come From Away is in how it ties these strangers' stories together, as the people of Gander opened up their homes, lives and ultimately hearts to thousands of scared strangers - or ‘come from aways'. It touches on loss, discrimination and gives us a small insight into how real hope emerged from the most awful of circumstances.
This production is a replica of what was seen at London's Phoenix Theatre and the only thing missing is the revolve, meaning Nick and Diane's moment during ‘Stop the World' is a little more static than previously seen. However, it is still an absolute knockout of a show that builds momentum all the way through - how lucky we are to have it back in London, even if just for one week.
Come From Away plays at the New Wimbledon Theatre until 12 October, before continuing its UK tour.
Tickets: here.
Review: Tom Ambrose Photo: Craig Sugden