As an NSTA patron, I was delighted to attend the Kimbolton School production of Come From Away on Wednesday 3rd December 2025. Come From Away is a show steeped in raw emotion and lived reality, but it is a story of events these students were not even alive to witness. I found myself wondering how a school production could possibly do justice to such powerful material, but I needn’t have worried. What followed was not only awe-inspiring, but an absolute credit to both the show itself and to Kimbolton School.
Written by duo David Hein and Irene Sankoff, Come From Away is a musical based on the true events of 9/11, when 38 planes were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, leaving 7,000 airline passengers stranded far from home. Drawing on interviews with the real people involved, the musical tells the story of how this close-knit community opened their doors – and their hearts – offering shelter, kindness and unwavering support in the wake of tragedy. The original Broadway production won a Tony for Best Direction of a Musical in 2017, and the West End production won multiple Olivier Awards in 2019, including Best New Musical.
As I settled into a packed theatre, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. Performed on an end-on stage, flight tickets surrounded the entrance, and a galleried performance space used throughout the production added depth and atmosphere, immersing the audience fully in the story. As we were welcomed to The Rock, the ensemble burst into life, demonstrating a true understanding of what it means to be an ensemble; unified, committed, and full of belief. The use of the gallery at this point was inspired, surrounding us with sound and making us feel genuinely welcomed into the community. Every pupil fully embraced their role, delivering performances with remarkable understanding and maturity. I was left spellbound – and in tears – at countless moments throughout the evening. Together, the cast embodied the true spirit of Gander: a community united, supportive, and deeply human.
That sense of unity continued throughout: the ensemble truly felt like a family. The movement of chairs – such a key moment in Come From Away – was executed seamlessly. Creative storytelling was delivered in innovative and visually striking ways, depicting flight paths, timelines, and global connections . The use of torchlight to depict air traffic controllers and pilots simultaneously was particularly powerful, capturing the chaos and urgency of that awful morning with sensitivity and clarity. Vocally, the performers shone too, and the harmonies throughout were exceptional. ‘Can’t Watch the News’ saw the pupils delivering stunning harmonies with clarity and control, creating one of many standout musical moments. Comedy was also timed expertly, balancing the heavier moments beautifully, as relationships deepened and barriers were broken down.
While every cast member, crew member and member of the production team deserves recognition, several standout performances demand specific mention. Emily, as Beverly, delivered an outstanding performance. Her vocal talent, sincerity, and convincing accent made every word believable. She performed with warmth, fear, and emotional truth, completely owning the stage in every moment. Harry, as Claude, was commanding when needed and delivered comedic moments impeccably, bringing warmth and humour to his portrayal of the Mayor of Gander.
Tom, as Nick, alongside Lucy as Diane, showed a beautiful journey of connection. Tom embodied the awkwardness of the true English gentleman with ease, making us root wholeheartedly for his character. Rose brought cheekiness and charm to her flight attendant role, while allowing the underlying fear and emotion to shine through – a poignant reminder of those simply doing their jobs while facing unimaginable circumstances.
Beulah, played by Eloise, wrapped the audience in warmth with every appearance, making us feel completely safe in her care. Michael brought passion and commitment to every moment, even from the back of the stage, fully aware that he was part of something special. Henry’s multi-rolling was a delight – each character was distinct both vocally and physically. The quirkiness delivered by Lauren as Bonnie gave voice to the plights of all beings, not just humans, showing the depth of care within the Gander community. Toby, who played Kevin, was instrumental in guiding some of the less experienced pupils on stage, and gave a stunning performance of his own.
As we learned of the mother of the firefighter’s loss, Claudia delivered this heartbreaking scene with stunning vocals and profound respect, handling an incredibly difficult role with grace and sensitivity. One of the most powerful moments came as Teddy stepped forward to turn off the television, allowing the silence to breathe, letting the gravity of that day wash over the audience. It was hauntingly effective.
The work of the directors and every single performer was evident from start to finish. The attention to detail, the spirit, and the heart of the production were clearly evident without ever being overstated. Gasps, tears, and cheers from the audience mirrored the emotional journey we were taken on. The drama techniques used throughout were thoughtful, creative, and executed with dedication. Every accent, movement and detail felt precise, with the entire stage – and even the spaces beyond it – fully alive. Those offstage remained completely in role, contributing vocally and atmospherically to fill the theatre with grace and beauty.
Having seen Come From Away in the West End, I can confidently say that this production more than held its own against the original. The cast would not have been out of place on a professional stage; beyond acting and singing, their ability to hold silence was deeply moving, and showed immense theatrical maturity. By the final number, I felt a deep sadness that it was over because it was so beautifully done that I wanted more. The cast’s love and commitment shone through every performance and every face on stage. Pupils from Year 7 to Year 13 came together to create something both inclusive and heartfelt. This was a truly fantastic achievement that reminds us why theatre – at its best – is a shared triumph.
National School Theatre Awards
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