Come From Away, Captivate Theatre Review
Written by Jacqueline for Theatre & Tonic
This summer, one of the most highly anticipated shows of the Fringe is Captivate Theatre’s production of Come From Away. Captivate Theatre is a critically acclaimed cornerstone of the Edinburgh theatre scene, with nine Fringe shows running this summer. On a personal note, I’m already a huge fan of Come From Away, to the extent that I recently visited Newfoundland to see the show performed in Gander, as well as visiting many of the key settings from the story. Therefore, I’ll admit that I was mildly apprehensive about seeing a new production so soon after my time in Canada, where the bar had been set so high.
Very few shows nowadays can say that they honestly put quality storytelling above gimmicks such as flashy sets or a jukebox score. On the flip side, Come From Away has always been a show that thrives on the simplicity of its scenic design. Broadway used wooden chairs, Gander used white suitcases, and now Edinburgh is using wooden crates (which have been a staple of Captivate’s Fringe productions for as long as I have been attending the Fringe!). Having said that, this simplicity also introduces the biggest challenge to the show: how do you get such a small cast to play dozens of parts in fewer than two hours with no opportunity for offstage costume changes? Like its predecessors, the Captivate team use a selection of carefully curated props and costume pieces, allowing the performers to seamlessly transition between roles before our eyes.
On that note, I also want to highlight the attention to detail in terms of the accent work. The Gander accent is incredibly specific, but is also only one of the many accents that feature in the show. The wide range of accents included is a testament to how hard this team have worked to bring the story to life. Furthermore, the role switching is always clear and ensures that each character within the story has their own distinct persona, making sure that every story told within the show is treated with care and respect.
In these times of political and social uncertainty, Come From Away serves as a poignant reminder that there is still kindness and positivity in the world. Captivate Theatre have done a spectacular job at bringing the show to life. This is hands-down the most intricate and heartfelt production I’ve seen this Fringe, and I sincerely hope it makes a return at the 2026 Fringe.
Come From Away runs at Assembly Rooms - Bijou at 15:40 until August 24th. The show is currently sold out, but check at the box office for any last-minute releases.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
