23 August 2026
Captivate Theatre’s production of Come From Away is thrilling, generous and utterly uplifting theatre – a production that reminds us, with remarkable force, of what musical theatre can achieve when story, music and humanity are placed centre stage.
A toe-tapping folk music musical, it tells the remarkable true story of the people of The Rock – as Gander, in remote Newfoundland in Canada is affectionately know. Gander gained worldwide fame on September 11, 2001, when it safely welcomed 38 stranded planes and nearly 7,000 displaced passengers during the US airspace shutdown.
I first saw Come From Away soon after it opened on Broadway, and just a few blocks from Ground Zero and the site of the World Trade Centre attack. Seeing it there, in New York, with the events of 9/11 still so powerfully embedded in the city’s collective memory, was an experience I have never forgotten. Returning to the story now, through Edinburgh-based Captivate Theatre’s production, brought back that sense of immediacy and emotional resonance – but also allowed me to appreciate anew what a beautifully crafted piece of musical theatre it is.
Captivate’s players quite unexpectedly reduced me to tears twice. Their on-point characterisation, emotional truth and exquisite vocal harmonies cut straight through the theatricality and reached something much deeper. There were moments when the ensemble singing was so beautifully judged that it proved impossible not to be overwhelmed.
This is a show of extraordinary musical accomplishment, performed here with energy, precision and a palpable sense of ensemble. The score is exhilarating, driving the action forward while giving the company ample opportunity to reveal the warmth, humour and emotional depth at the heart of the story. Captivate’s performers rise magnificently to that challenge.
Multi role playing as locals and passengers, the fast-moving musical shows how the local overwhelmed population rose to the challenge of caring for the needs of the tsrangers of all nationalities and faiths for several days. It finds the humanity in moments of uncertainty and crisis: strangers becoming friends, a community opening its doors, and kindness emerging when it is needed most. The result is theatre that is both politically resonant and deeply personal.
There is a wonderful theatricality to the whole production, but it never overwhelms the people at its heart. The company creates a vivid sense of place and community, while the music has the power and momentum of a concert – exhilarating one moment, profoundly moving the next.
In such a tight ensemble it is perhaps invidious to single anyone out, but I am always drawn – surprise, surprise – to the two gay Kevins “our names were cute, once!”. Here they are beautifully portrayed by Aaron De Veres and Scott Bonnie, who capture every moment of humour and pathos in their relationship.
Having first encountered this remarkable show in New York, I was perhaps predisposed to be moved by it again. Yet Edinburgh-based Captivate Theatre more than earns that emotional response. Their character work is sharply observed, their vocal harmonies beautifully accomplished, and their collective storytelling genuinely affecting.
Come From Away is brilliantly directed by Sally Lyall with whip smart choreography by Danielle Logan. It reminds us that even in the darkest circumstances, generosity, courage and human connection can still take flight. Captivate Theatre has delivered a spirited, musically thrilling and deeply moving production of a modern Broadway classic. A Fringe must-see.
