IF YOU think you know musicals, think again.

West End smash hit Come From Away breaks many of the established rules of this popular theatrical genre and has the courage to create something bold, fresh and life affirming.

I didn’t know what to expect from Come From Away, deliberately avoiding details of its plot and any reviews.

What I witnessed was a fast-paced, skilfully written and perfectly executed tale that deserves many plaudits and to be cherished by musical theatre fans.

This heart-warming tale of humanity struck a chord with the audience at Venue Cymru, Llandudno on Tuesday July 30 like it has in venues throughout the world.

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Theatregoers were sat up in their seats at the show’s thumping opening song Welcome to the rock and were on their feet as the cast took their final bows.

The community of Gander in Newfoundland stepped up at a time when America needed all the friends it could find. The community’s airport played host to 38 airplanes and embraced 6,500 ‘plane people’ over 5 days following the 911 attacks.

But their plight and story are anything but plain.

A show based on one of history’s darkest moments shouldn’t really work due to its difficult subject.

But while confronting the confusion and sadness associated with this terrorist attack it embraces hope and generosity of spirit captures the true spirit of a can-do attitude demonstrated by the population of this Canadian province.

Light-hearted and often zany humorous moments included the airline passengers being invited to join in a raucous Newfoundland initiation involving consuming a local spirit and ‘kissing the fish.’, a team of cardiologists volunteering to clean bathrooms at a makeshift shelter and one resident’s offer of hospitality:  “thank you for shopping at Walmart, would you like to come back to mine for a shower” – a line which had the assembled crowd howling with laughter.

The cast are all fantastic and it is testament to their talent that you will come out of the theatre with a spring in your step and a smile on your face after enjoying this feelgood fiesta.

Daniel Crowder was endearing as mild-mannered English businessman Nick whose sweet natured relationship with divorcee Diane, played terrifically by Kirsty Hoiles, was a highlight with their duet Stop the world proving a crowd-pleaser.

Mark Dugdale was perfect as Kevin T whose partner (secretary or “sexyTerry”) Kevin J was portrayed by the wonderful Kevin Yates during this evening’s performance.

Natasha J Barnes was outstanding as Janice, Rosie Glossop gave a perfect portrayal as animal lover Bonnie, while Casualty star Amanda Henderson was brilliantly cast as the unstoppable Beulah.

Oliver Jacobson delivered a memorable performance as Oz, while Dale Mathurin gave a brilliant comedic performance as Bob.

Nicholas Pound brought the whole community and show together as Gander’s Mayor Claude.

Sara Poyzer was sensational as pilot Beverley.

She was responsible for one of the show’s emotional highlights giving a powerhouse vocal performance on the track ‘Me and the sky.’

More raw emotion came via the brilliant Bree Smith as Hannah whose desperate wait for news on the safety of her firefighter son, brought to life during the song ‘I am Here’.

Don’t miss this uplifting show at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, until Saturday August 3.

For tickets visit www.venuecymru.co.uk or telephone the Box Office on 01492 872000.