York Stage prepare to bring a beloved musical to a York stage for the first time, and the company are ‘bringing so much honesty and heart’ to the show.
Winner of four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical in London and a Tony Award on Broadway, the smash hit show Come From Away is close to arriving in York.
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 York premiere of Come From Away is set to open at the Grand Opera House this April, and rehearsals have been going well, director Nik Briggs has said.
Nik Briggs, director and producer at York Stage, said: “Rehearsals have been incredible so far. There’s a real sense of purpose in the room and the company are bringing so much honesty and heart to the story.
“It’s a piece that relies on connection, and we’re already seeing those relationships come to life in a really powerful way.
“We’ve also got an exceptionally strong cast. Not just in terms of talent, but in the way they’re coming together. The bond they’re building is really special, and that sense of unity is exactly what this show needs.
“What’s been most exciting is how they’re balancing the scale of the storytelling with the intimacy of the piece. It’s big, it’s moving, but it’s also incredibly human.
“We can’t wait to share it with York audiences at the Grand Opera House this April.”
One of the cast members, Theo Mayne, was a contestant on the first series of the smash-hit BBC gameshow The Traitors. Theo will be playing several roles, including Bob, Muhamza, and Captain Bristol.
“This is my debut with York Stage and I’ve loved every minute of working with the company so far,” Theo told YorkMix.
“Rehearsals are going brilliantly and there’s such a great energy in the room. The cast are incredibly strong and we’ve built a real bond in a short space of time, which really comes through in the work.
“It’s a special show to be part of, and I can’t wait for audiences in York to see it.”
Also, to celebrate the production, York Stage has also launched a special Golden Seat Giveaway in partnership with local travel specialists Heritage Collection Travel. One lucky audience member attending the show will win flights to Newfoundland, offering the chance to experience the real-life setting of the story.
Come From Away runs at the Grand Opera House York from 10–18 April. Tickets start from £15.40 and are available here.
