One lucky audience member is set to win return flights to Newfoundland, Canada, this April.
York Stage, in partnership with Heritage Collection Travel, has announced its biggest ever
theatre giveaway as part of its upcoming production of Come From Away at the Grand Opera House York, from 10-18 April.
In a celebration of the show’s powerful true story and its real-life connection to Newfoundland, one audience member will win return flights for two to St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada.
The winner will be revealed live at the end of one performance through a special ‘Golden Seat’ moment. One seat in the auditorium will be randomly selected in advance, and whoever is
physically sitting in that seat on the night will win – every ticket holder is automatically entered!
Come From Away tells the remarkable true story of 7,000 airline passengers who were
unexpectedly diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland on 11 September 2001, and the extraordinary kindness shown by the local community.
In the days that followed, the people of Gander opened their homes, schools and halls to
complete strangers. Lifelong friendships were formed. Annual reunions began. Many of those stranded passengers returned to Newfoundland years later to say thank you. What started as
an emergency response became a global example of humanity at its best.
The ripple effect of that kindness has continued ever since, inspiring countless ‘pay it forward’
moments around the world. York Stage says the Golden Seat giveaway is their way of continuing that legacy.
Nik Briggs, producer and director at York Stage, said: “Come From Away is a story about strangers helping strangers. It’s about compassion when it’s needed most.
“The kindness shown in Gander didn’t stop when the planes left, it created a ripple effect that’s still felt today. The Golden Seat is our way of paying that forward and giving something meaningful back to our own community.”
The Golden Seat prize has been made possible thanks to the support of Heritage Collection
Travel, an independent York based travel company known for its personalised service and
strong roots within the local community.
Kevin Coundon, marketing director at York Stage, said: “Partnering with Heritage Collection Travel allows us to connect York directly to Newfoundland in a tangible way. We hope this
moment inspires people to carry that spirit of kindness beyond the theatre.”
The Golden Seat performance will be pre-selected before the run begins, with the winner
announced live during the show.
York Stage bring Come From Away to Grand Opera House York from Friday 10 to Saturday 18 April 2026. Tickets start from £15.40 and are available here.
