‘Come From Away’ Premieres at Gaiety Theatre This July

Tickets for the Isle of Man premiere of the acclaimed musical Come From Away are now available. The production will take place at the Gaiety Theatre from July 10 to 18, 2024, marking a significant cultural event for the island as it is the first time the show has been performed there. Presented by Two Feathers Productions, this multi-award-winning musical has garnered praise for its emotional depth and storytelling.

“Come From Away” is based on the true story of 7,000 airline passengers stranded in Gander, Newfoundland, after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.

Following the closure of United States airspace, 38 international flights were diverted to Gander International Airport, doubling the town’s population overnight. Local residents, along with neighbouring communities, provided shelter, food, and care to the thousands of unexpected visitors.

The musical interweaves the stories of both the stranded passengers and the people of Gander, showcasing moments of humour, compassion, and resilience during a period of global uncertainty. Among the characters is Captain Beverley Bass, one of the first female commercial airline pilots, alongside a diverse cast of travellers and local residents whose acts of kindness became a symbol of generosity.

The Isle of Man production will be directed and choreographed by Tara Overfield-Wilkinson, who has previously worked on Come From Away as associate director and choreographer in the West End and on the UK tour. Musical direction will be co-led by Steve Daykin and David Kilgallon, with David Holland also contributing to the creative team.

The cast features twelve talented island performers, each taking on multiple roles throughout the show. Lauren Molyneux will portray Beverley Bass, while Alex Toohey plays Claude, the mayor of Gander, and Neil Callin takes on the role of Oz, the town’s police constable. Other cast members include Lisa Dancox as Beulah, Sue Tummon as Diane, Charlie Williams as Bob, Aloysius Magerman-James and Jack Divers as Kevin J and Kevin T, Nick Cain as Nick, Danielle Bridson as Hannah, Bryony Grant as Bonnie, and Kathryn Toohey as Janice.

Two Feathers Productions has established a growing presence in the Isle of Man’s performing arts scene. The company’s production of Jersey Boys in 2024 sold out its run at the Gaiety Theatre and subsequently received recognition at the Media Isle of Man Awards for Excellence 2024, where it was named New Business of the Year.

“Come From Away” will run for ten performances at the Gaiety Theatre.

Tickets are available through the VillaGaiety website. The production is sponsored by Canaccord Wealth, ATLA Group, and Black Grace Cowley, with additional support from the Steam Packet Company and Manx Radio.

For artists, authors, or musicians looking to promote their events, details can be submitted to [email protected] for potential features in Island Life.