The Tony Award-winning musical, Come From Away, is winging its way to London’s Phoenix Theatre next year and we can’t wait. The heartwarming Broadway hit tells the true story of a small Canadian town that has 38 planes land unexpectedly following the tragic 9/11 attacks. Sharing the stories of the residents and the people who were stranded, Come From Away shows humanity’s capacity for kindness, caring and love during times of need – despite race, sexuality or creed.
The Backstory
The idea for Come From Away was first conceived by Michael Rubinoff, a lawyer from Toronto. He set out to find a writing team and it wasn’t until 2009, when he found Irene Sankoff and David Hein, that the project really took off. After their initial interest in the project, Irene and David visited Gander, the town where the show is set, in 2011 for the 10th anniversary of the tragic attacks. They spoke to the townspeople and the returning visitors and used these interviews to create the backbone of the show.
The initial script was 45 minutes and it was workshopped in Canada in 2012. After positive reviews, the pair decided to finish the script, which was completed in 2013. The successful run in Canada led to productions in San Diego and Seattle before a short tour of North America.
In 2017, it opened at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on Broadway. The highly sought-after show earned seven Tony nominations in 2017, winning the Best Direction of a Musical Award for Christopher Ashley.
The original Broadway cast (Photo: Matthew Murphy)
What is Come From Away about?
Based on real-life events, Come From Away is set in the week following the September 11th attacks in 2001 when 7,000 people were stranded after their flights were forced to land in a small town in North America.
The town in Newfoundland, Canada, which had a population of under 10,000 people at the time, welcomed the strangers with open arms. The lonely and skeptical passengers are shocked by the hospitality and compassion they receive from the town’s residents and eventually form bonds with their kind hosts, who help them through one of the world’s most difficult times.
What age is Come From Away appropriate for?
Come From Away is recommended for audience members aged 10 and up.
How long is it?
We don’t have an official run-time for the West End production yet, but the Broadway production was 100 minutes with no intermission. It will be playing at 7.30pm Monday to Saturday with matinee performances at 2.30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
The original Broadway cast (Photo: Matthew Murphy)
Where is it playing in London?
It will be playing at the Phoenix Theatre in the heart of London’s Soho. It’s surrounded by great restaurants for a pre- or post-show meal.
How do I get to the Phoenix Theatre?
The Phoenix Theatre is approximately 240 metres from Tottenham Court Road tube station and 350 metres from Leicester Square tube station. You can also get to the show via overground train to London’s Charing Cross, which is 900 metres away.
Will it be touring?
Hold your horses! It’s not even in London yet. You’ll only be able to see this highly-anticipated show at the Phoenix Theatre from January 2019, with a short run at Dublin’s Abbey Theatre from 6 December 2018.
The original Broadway cast (Photo: Matthew Murphy)
Will I like it?
Some shows you watch and it’s just impossible not to smile. Come From Away is a musical bundle of warmth and compassion; a perfect night’s escapism from the troubles of the real world.
Whatever your kind of show, we’re sure you’ll leave Come From Away with a little more hope – and happiness – in your heart.
Where can I buy London tickets?
Right here with us! Just visit Official London Theatre’s Come From Away page to find great tickets for great prices.