Review – Come From Away – The Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne

The Rattonians soar with a heartfelt triumph.

There are evenings at the theatre that provide an enjoyable escape, and then there are those rare performances that leave audiences reflecting long after the curtain has fallen. The Rattonians’ production of Come From Away at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre is undoubtedly one of the latter, combining exceptional storytelling, heartfelt performances and outstanding musicianship to create an evening that is as moving as it is uplifting.

Set in the aftermath of the tragic events of 11 September 2001, the award-winning musical tells the remarkable true story of the 7,000 airline passengers diverted to the tiny town of Gander in Newfoundland when American airspace was closed. What followed was an extraordinary display of kindness and generosity, as a community of just 10,000 people welcomed complete strangers with open arms. It is a story of hope, humour and humanity, and The Rattonians capture every emotion with remarkable confidence.

From the opening moments, there is an infectious energy about the production. Director Alex Adams and his creative team have crafted a show that moves with pace and precision while never losing sight of the deeply personal stories at its heart. The transitions are slick, the staging imaginative and the narrative flows effortlessly from moments of laughter to scenes of genuine poignancy.

One of the greatest strengths of this production is its superb company. Come From Away is unlike many musicals in that there are no traditional stars; instead, success depends upon the ensemble working together as a single unit. The Rattonians rise magnificently to that challenge. Every performer contributes something distinctive, portraying multiple characters with impressive clarity and bringing warmth, humour and authenticity to each role. The cast displays remarkable versatility throughout, switching effortlessly between passengers, pilots, local residents and officials while maintaining believable characterisations. The chemistry between the performers is evident from beginning to end, creating relationships that feel completely natural and allowing the emotional moments to resonate all the more powerfully.

Musically, the production is a triumph. The score, inspired by the rich folk traditions of Newfoundland, is delivered with tremendous vitality, while the company’s vocal blend is consistently impressive. Harmonies are beautifully balanced, quieter passages are handled with sensitivity and the more energetic ensemble numbers burst with infectious enthusiasm. The music never overwhelms the storytelling but instead becomes an integral part of it, driving the narrative forward with confidence.

Credit must also go to the production team for making excellent use of the Royal Hippodrome Theatre’s intimate stage. With relatively simple but highly effective set pieces, the company effortlessly transports the audience from airport terminals and aircraft cabins to school gyms, local bars and community halls. Carefully considered lighting and sound design enhance every scene, while the choreography and movement create a constant sense of momentum without ever appearing rushed.

Perhaps most impressive is the emotional honesty that runs throughout the production. It would be easy for a show dealing with such significant events to become overly sentimental, but this performance remains refreshingly sincere. Humour arrives naturally, often providing welcome relief before giving way to moments of quiet reflection. Those shifts in tone are handled with considerable skill, allowing the audience to laugh one minute and reach for a tissue the next.

The Royal Hippodrome has long been a treasured part of Eastbourne’s cultural life, and productions of this calibre demonstrate exactly why this theatre continues to thrive. The Rattonians have earned an enviable reputation for ambitious musical theatre, and Come From Away comfortably ranks among their finest achievements. It is clear that countless hours of rehearsal, dedication and attention to detail have gone into every aspect of the show, and the result is a polished production that never loses its heart.

What lingers most after the final curtain is not simply the quality of the performances, impressive though they undoubtedly are, but the overwhelming sense of optimism that fills the auditorium. In a world where negative headlines often dominate, Come From Away reminds us that compassion, generosity and community still have the power to change lives. That message feels every bit as relevant today as when these remarkable events first unfolded.

As the audience rose for a thoroughly deserved standing ovation, there was a genuine sense that everyone present had shared something rather special. The Rattonians have not simply staged an award-winning musical; they have honoured a true story with warmth, integrity and enormous affection. This is community theatre at its very best: ambitious in scale, accomplished in execution and rich in emotion. Whether you are already a fan of Come From Away or discovering it for the first time, this production is an absolute joy to experience.

A superb evening of theatre from a company at the very top of its game.

*****   Five Stars