Come From Away - Phoenix / U.K & Ireland Tour 2024

alece10 I’ve just looked at the app and it’s telling me to check back Thursday ie: tomorrow. Maybe it was just a glitch this morning pretty sure they should have seats for every performance, just the availability will vary.

I’ve also noticed they’re selling standing tickets at the back of the dress circle for tonight’s performance. £10 each. Looks like that may be an on the day option for the shows that are sold out/close to selling out. There’s still a few seats left for tonight’s show but few enough that they’re offering standing tickets.

Just out from the matinee and slowly processing my thoughts.
Initially, I don’t get how people are getting so emotional over this.
Obviously it’s a very salient subject matter, precious to many and fairly well treated. The production is solid but seems a bit too sure of itself. It’s almost like it’s wanting to make people cry rather than tell the story.
I enjoyed the performance but did struggle to follow some of the speech in the first quarter (not due to volume just a rather abusive approach to EQ) which is a bit of an issue with the cast taking on many roles, so maybe that’s why I couldn’t get into it emotionally.
Visually, it’s a bit of an homage to Hamilton, did the revolve really add anything? I’m not sure... Starting to get very bored with spinny stages now.

Yes indeed. I used to think that the revolve was paramount to the visual success of Groundhog Day, but since have realised it could be effectively done alternatively.
It just seems like a revolve is the go to now for productions where they’re not using set verbatim.

Firstly, please accept my apologies for my delay in posting this review. Unfortunately personal circumstances and head cold have prevented me from doing so any sooner.

So, Come From Away. I liked this very much and it's the first musical that I've seen in a while that really made me think.

As I posted on this forum, I queued up on Saturday morning for a £20 day seat. I got there at about 9.35am and was third in the queue and from memory, there were only about 4 people behind me.

When they sell you the ticket, the following is explained.

The tickets are non-refundable.
You cannot move seats or request an upgrade
There is high stage

They even make you sign the back of the ticket to ensure you have understood the terms of the sale.

As stated in my post on the night, I was in the front row. Now this is not for every body however for me, this was fine. Yes, the stage is high so you miss the actor's feet but in terms of the show I didn't feel like I missed anything and in truth, despite the height of the stage, you got to clearly see the actors facial expressions.

I for one had no idea about this story. When the tragedy of September 11 happened I was still in Australia. Perhaps be cause of distance, perhaps because of the sheer tragedy of what happened on that fateful day, or just exposure but the effect of all of these people who Came From Away had on each other and the small town in Newfoundland is told.

I for one didn't consider other planes in the sky at the time, the displaced passengers and crew, what happened to them. Or other factors, such as animals on the planes. As I say, it made me think.

Throughout the show, as it was unfolding before me, whether rightly or wrongly, despite an entirely different story and music, I keep on making comparisons to the musical Once; a group of actors plating multiple roles, musicians on stage interacting with the cast with an Irish music, actors not involved in the scenes sitting to the side of the stage and simple but effective movement.

The cast. No disrespect to Rachel Tucker but for me there was no stand out performance as I though they were all equal in terms of vocal and each, in their own way, depending on the character they are portraying, getting a stand out solo.

Also, so much diversity in the cast, in terms of age, gender and ethnicity. Possibly in order to portray the diversity of the passengers who had Come From Away.

There was one moment when one female cast member performing and singing her part came to the front of the stage and lifted her top to expose her belly and purple bra. Now, I need to make it perfectly clear that despite being somewhat taken aback and surprised because I wasn't expecting it, I was not in any way offended however as I was in the front row, wearing a white shirt, she saw me, and I saw her- there was eye contact momentarily.

Despite not actually truly understanding the story, I have been listening to the cast recording for about a year to two now on random play so it was great to see the show in its entirety and how and where the songs fit it.

Despite enjoying the show- and I truly did (I was on my feet giving a standing ovation) I wasn't blown away. But as I said, it made me think. And I'm still thinking about it. So, I guess in a way, that in itself, is a credit to the show.

BTW, got me a couple of the pin/badges.

I think this must be a Phoenix thing, at the very least, they did the exact same with the Bend It Like Beckham dayseats

Just out of curiosity, had the stage at The Phoenix been raised in any for this production, or is this the normal height of the stage?

I guess it needs to be raised to install the revolve.

They’ve raised the stage for certain. Can only assume it’s due to the revolve.

I knew you'd love it! ❤️

Ohhh I'm so glad you loved it!!!

Anyone try the day seats queue for this?

I'd love to try day seats but I'm concerned about the high stage. I'm 5' 2" and while I don't mind not seeing feet (I've done front row at Hamilton and been happy enough) it's sounding high. Years ago I went to see Shakespeare in Love at the Noel Coward and enjoyed it enough that I considered going back for day seats the next day - but when I went down to the front row to check the view, I could see literally nothing from down there.

Any short people sat front row yet?