A READING musical theatre group is preparing to delight Bracknell audiences with a heartwarming story.
Come From Away is the Sainsbury Singers’ next offering at South Hill Park, described as a smash-hit musical sensation.
Winner of multiple awards, including the Laurence Olivier award for best new musical, Come From Away has enjoyed successful runs in multiple countries, including more than 1,048 performances in London’s West End.
It follows the real-life events when 38 diverted planes carrying 7,000 passengers were unexpectedly grounded in the isolated community of Gander, Newfoundland.
It was a situation which prompted the Newfoundland townsfolk to open their hearts, homes, and lives to the stranded strangers.
Director Kaz Grainger said: “Come From Away is truly a story of selfless love and compassion.
“To quote the community’s mayor, ‘9/11 was the worst of times but 9/12 was the best of times.’
“Being able to bring so much light out of so much darkness, through this production, is a wonderful experience.
“The show has been described as a docu-musical and that sums it up perfectly.
“25 years on, it highlights an important part of modern history, and celebrates the resilience and spirit shown by people during the infamous attacks.
“Whether or not you’re a theatre person, I defy you to not be drawn into the emotion or to walk out and not be humming at least one musical number.
“You won’t want to miss it.”
Powerful storytelling is combined with a quality music score.
Musical Director Owen Lloyd said: “Come From Away is very unusual.
“It’s scored for authentic folk instruments that are seldom heard in the theatre, including the bodhran (a traditional Irish drum), 15 whistles, and a local speciality, the Newfoundland Ugly Stick.
The music is beautifully crafted , and runs almost continuously throughout the show, seamlessly flowing from dialogue to song, from scene to scene, and from light to shade, supporting the audience’s journey and emotions as the story unfolds.
As well as some fabulous melodies, audiences can listen out for some gorgeous harmonies, sung the way that only the Sainsbury Singers can.”
The Sainsbury Singers is an amateur musical theatre society based in Reading, dedicated to providing quality entertainment for the local community and beyond.
Established in 1938 by Frank Sainsbury, previous productions range from the operetta of Gilbert & Sullivan and Offenbach, to classic musical theatre such as Oklahama! and My Fair Lady, right through to modern productions.
Come From Away can be seen at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, from Wednesday through to Saturday, October 28 to 31.
Performances at 7.45pm, with an additional Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
Tickets cost £25 for adults, and £22 for senior citizens, students, and under 16s.
Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
For tickets and information, visit: southhillpark.org.uk and sainsburysingers.org.uk
