Students and staff at Cockburn John Charles Academy came together for a remarkable production of Come From Away, transforming the school theatre into the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, and bringing to life a powerful true story of kindness in the face of global crisis.
The musical, which tells the story of how a remote Canadian community welcomed thousands of stranded airline passengers following the events of 11 September 2001, was performed to packed audiences across multiple nights. With its fast-paced storytelling, emotional depth, and moments of humour, the production captivated viewers from start to finish.
Audiences praised the cast for their professionalism and energy, with many commenting on the seamless transitions between characters and the strength of the ensemble performance. The wonderful staging housed the actors’ storytelling and vocal talent to create an immersive and moving experience.
Headteacher Mrs S Roberts expressed her pride in the students’ achievements:
“This production has been nothing short of outstanding. The dedication, teamwork and talent shown by our students both on stage and behind the scenes have been truly inspiring. They have handled a complex and emotional story with maturity and sensitivity.”
One cast member shared their experience:
“It’s been an incredible journey. Come From Away is such a meaningful show, and being part of it has brought us all closer together. We’ve worked so hard as a team and performing it for our school community has been really special.”
The production stands as a testament to the school’s thriving performing arts programme, highlighting not only talent but also empathy, collaboration and resilience. For those who attended, it was an unforgettable reminder of the power of community and the impact of a story well told.
This post is based on a press release issued by Cockburn John Charles Academy
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