Reviews

Come From Away is a joyous and life-affirming piece of theatre, a timely reminder of generosity and kindness in the world.

It is also a beautifully constructed piece of theatre. The exposition is long, introducing dozens of characters, but it never flags or confuses. Sixteen performers playing several roles each are clearly delineated. Whilst it is true that “You'll probably understand about half of what we say”, the individual quirks add to the charm.

Carlton is an exceptionally gifted performer, raconteur and writer. His material is somewhat unexpected for a comedy routine as it draws out much more than just laughter. He breaks down the routine into four equally sized substantial stories that are extremely relatable. Carlton shares important moments or episodes in his life and fills these events with incredibly colourful characters, evocative scenarios, and delicate minute details. His incredibly fertile imagination is on full display in this extraordinary hour of pure, unadulterated storytelling.

Medical students Tony and John, together with Tony’s live-in girlfriend Vera, welcome a new student to their house. Simon Sparrow. He’s the nephew of the dominating and influential Sir Lancelot Spratt, and is shoe-horned into the established shared lodgings, playing drinking games and singing raucous songs – but it’s England in the 1950s, so it’s mostly clean fun, with a dose of dated values being medicated by some strong female personalities.

In the words of Brett Weymark – conductor and Artistic and Musical Director of the Philharmonia Choirs – “this concert explores cathedral music from evensongs to coronations”. I use the present tense, because this isn’t a “one off”! Weymark and the Symphony Chorus will perform this incredible concert again next Saturday 5th April at All Saint’s Cathedral in Bathurst and on Saturday 12th April at St Peter and St Paul’s Old Cathedral in Goulburn.