Come From Away - Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury, 15th to 17th October, 2026.

Shrewsbury Musical Theatre Company proudly presents the Shropshire premiere of the acclaimed Broadway and West End musical Come From Away, a remarkable true story of compassion, resilience and human connection in extraordinary circumstances.

On 11 September 2001, following the sudden closure of US airspace, 38 international flights were diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland. Almost overnight, the town’s population doubles as 7,000 stranded passengers, known locally as “come from aways”, arrive with no idea when they will be able to return home. What follows is an inspiring and deeply moving story of how a small community opened its doors, its hearts and its lives to the world.

Brought vividly to life by a fast paced cast, Come From Away tells multiple interwoven stories using music, movement and minimal staging. Its rousing, folk and Celtic inspired score is filled with warmth, humour and emotional depth, capturing moments of joy, tension, heartbreak and hope with honesty and grace.

This SMTC production will offer audiences a powerful, uplifting and life affirming theatrical experience that celebrates kindness in the face of uncertainty and reminds us of the extraordinary impact of ordinary people.

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International.

Scroll for news of our very talented lead production team for this exciting production!

SHOW DIRECTOR - Nick Jones

A trained actor and former Head of Drama, Nick brings a wealth of educational and professional expertise to the rehearsal room.

Before joining us, Nick spent several years in the UAE, where he served as Stage Director for a string of ambitious productions at Dubai College, including Chicago, Evita, Les Misérables, and Hairspray. Since returning to the local scene, he has been active with the Abbey Foregate Players, directing the suburban classic Abigail’s Party and currently working on the charming Daisy Pulls It Off.

For Nick, this show is about much more than just the music. He notes:

"I think that Come From Away is about an extraordinary moment in time where the population of Gander opened its doors to the world. It also resonates today as the idea of opening your door to strangers. The project excites me as it is such a stripped-back production, yet it has great power and impact."

Nick’s deep-rooted passion and encyclopaedic knowledge of Come From Away made him the clear choice for this production. He is particularly excited to tackle the show's signature style, a dynamic, fast-paced narrative that relies on slick movement and precision. With his leadership, we are certain this "Welcome to the Rock" will be a truly unforgettable experience.

MUSICAL DIRECTOR - Sarah Browne

We are incredibly fortunate to have Sarah Browne as the Musical Director for Come From Away. As the Head of Shropshire Music Service, Sarah brings a wealth of professional expertise and a lifelong passion for music education and performance to the SMTC creative team.

Originally trained as a pianist and vocalist, Sarah’s career has seen her work extensively as a conductor, arranger, and educator. Her journey began in the classroom, teaching music across primary and secondary schools, before she moved into successfully managing large performing arts and media departments within the further and higher education sectors.

Sarah is a true creative powerhouse who understands the nuances of storytelling through sound. For Come From Away, she is looking forward to the challenge of crafting the show’s unique, folk-inspired "Gander" sound:

"I’ve always been drawn to the way music can build a community on stage. Come From Away requires a very specific kind of precision and heart, and I’m excited to work with our vocalists to bring those intricate, beautiful harmonies to life."

With her background in leadership and her deep technical knowledge, Sarah is the perfect person to guide our company through this emotionally resonant and musically complex score.