The Wales Millennium Centre welcomes their own group of ‘come from awayers’ as popular musical Come From Away stops off in Cardiff Bay on its first UK tour, straight from the West End. “Welcome to the rock”, as its slogan has it: ‘the rock’ being the affectionate nickname for the Canadian island of Newfoundland, whose airport town of Gander is the setting for Come From Away.

Gander International Airport was, for a period during World War II, the largest in the world, and more recently was an important refuelling destination; once air travel improved, though, it became less busy. On September 11 2001, Gander airport and surrounding towns were inundated by 38 rerouted planes carrying some 7,000 passengers and crew (and 19 animals in cargo). Come From Away is the true story of how these people were taken in, fed and cared for by the Newfoundlanders.

The result is a true ensemble musical – in more ways than one, as the actors on stage mostly play more than just the one character, sporting more than one accent in the process. There is no standout performance, in the best way: cast and band alike work hard while looking effortless. Every number lands, though Me And The Sky warrants special mention, and the onstage band plays almost nonstop, soundtracking the moments between the songs as well.

Staging is simple: the set consists of a few trees, and scenes are set by using just a few chairs, two tables and some (excellent) lighting. Barely any props are used – the takeaway is that this show’s stories and music speak for themselves. 

You might think a musical that begins on the morning of 9/11 doesn’t exactly sound like a bundle of laughs, and for my part – having seen it in London two years ago – I’d forgotten just how funny Come From Away is in the interim. This production seems to inspire very devoted fans: I know of someone who’s seen it more than 20 times, and I suspect the two women sitting next to me were similarly big fans. It’s easy to see why. Clichés be damned, this really is a lovely, uplifting show, and a perfect musical.

Come From Away, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, Tue 2 Apr

On until Sat 6 Apr. Tickets: £25-£75. Info: here

words CHRIS WILLIAMS