Come From Away – Montgomery Theatre

Ellesmere MTC had the pleasure of premiering the Sheffield amateur production of Come From Away, one of the longest running One Act Musicals! And the Rock highlighted more than a few precious gems within the cast, musicians and production team. Sparkling bright, the multi role playing twelve strong cast are polished and multi-faceted in their interpretation of Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s Book, music and lyrics.  Come From Away is a real-life story of the power of humanity, against the backdrop of tragedy of 9/11. 38 planes were diverted on that fateful morning to the little Canadian town of Gander in Newfoundland, doubling the town’s inhabitants, the traumatised passengers had to rely totally on the hospitality and goodwill of these islanders. From the opening mundane video footage of empty roads and very little news worthy News, of any kind – to pandemonium, as the horror in New York reaches the small island and planes descend to the Rock on the orders of US Traffic control. We witness the unfurling story through the eyes of both passengers and islanders, as the now legendary events unfold and develop with autobiographical accounts of hope and despair. 

Directed with bravery and aplomb by Thomas Fox-Owens, allowing a free flowing yet tightly rehearsed display of all that is good about amateur theatre in South Yorkshire. His directorial choices are slick yet allow moments for the humanity, humour and pathos to affect the audience without appearing contrived. From a script that, at times, is a little thin on its depth of character – this was a worthily notable feat.  Musical Director Gareth Lloyd with his ten-piece Celtic inspired band, are present onstage throughout the performance and add to the feel of the folk-like arrangements both visually and aurally. The band’s sound is authentic and full bodied, if a little dominant in the first 5/10 minute due to an initial imbalance in sound with the vocalists. This got better as the production progressed and there were some beautiful harmonies heard particularly in full cast numbers and a highlight was without doubt the beautiful and life affirming – Prayer. Choreographers Amber Alison Lee and Lily Abram expertly gave the cast authenticity in their movement and kept the ebb and flow paramount to the storyline, adding the cultural Celtic folk-like feeling throughout.

With minimal set – a few tables and very strategic and complex placing of chairs on the stage by the cast we are transported from plane to school hall, pub to sports centre and bus to church and back again. The lighting design by TD Lighting adds to both location and mood seamlessly. A difficult show for Sound operation, with all twelve performers almost constantly onstage and interjecting incessantly, after the initial gremlins PM Productions gave us a balanced blend between performer and musicians… well done!

In amateur theatre it is a delight and a rare thing to see such a strong Male cast and Ellesmere MTC had just that – ‘Rock’ solid male performances. From classy Leo Appleton’s opening throngs as Claude, I felt safe we were in good hands and I was right. His accent, like all the cast, is on pointe and he exudes confidence and command in role. Much of the humour is given over to Mark Holmes as Oz and it is a delight to watch him milk the moment in his crazy cameos. Craig Lawton as Nick; in direct contrast to Holmes; gives the audience a needed and unwaveringly sustained character who develops in confidence as his love life takes an unsuspected uptick! Ashley Wilson as Kevin J and Phil Turner as Kevin T are both commendable in role and works well as a duo, Wilson excels in his role as Ali. The female cast match the strength of their male counterparts punch for punch and Sarah Morrell as Hannah gives a diamond performance and tears aplenty in the audience with her rendition of I Am Here. Gina Holmes as Dianne is the perfect match for Lawton’s, Nick and their relationship is almost tangible in its innocence. Louise Walker has great command in the role of Beulah (a good bit of casting there!) she is an appealing performer who is aesthetic to watch. Bethan Griffiths as Beverley; the pilot; gives a strong performance throughout but excels vocally in her solo Me and the Sky – what a beautiful voice! Emily Wilsonb as Janice has much of the narration to impart in role and does so with conviction, she is very watchable. Danielle Victoria as Bonnie gets many a laugh with her preference for animals… but no one and nothing was over looked at Gander. We all need a Bonnie in our lives! My female performer of the show has to go to Shelby Foster as Bobbie, the diversity she shows in her multi role play is exceptional – considered, confident and in great depth. I found myself drawn to her even in her ensemble work, she really is a polished gem!

Ellesmere MTC I hope you applaud your creation as it is highly worthy of acclaim. A team effort both onstage and backstage is evident. Your evident amount of rehearsal in Come From Away was well worth every moment individually and collectively. The production is slick and has; the sometimes missed; subtlety in performance that hold it above other productions I have seen of the show. I left the theatre with a life affirming feeling that humanity will conquer, in world that seems crazy and getting crazier. This production is one we all need to see at this time, for its outward message and its internal humanitarianism in action. At the Montgomery Theatre, Surrey Street, Sheffield until Saturday 17^th October let Ellesmere MTC Welcome You to the Rock… you will not regret it!

Reviewer: Tracey Bell

Reviewed: 14th October 2026

North West End UK Rating: