Actor brings ‘heart and hope’ to Come From Away at the Lowry

Come from Away is one of those musicals that surprises you, as it contains warmth, compassion and kindness, against the backdrop of 9/11.

It puts a spotlight on a remarkable true story that many people did not know about.

Manchester’s Bree Smith has starred in stage versions of The Colour Purple and The Wiz. She steps into the role of Hannah, a remarkable woman who finds herself displaced, following the events of 9/11.

We caught up with her to find out more before the show opens at the Lowry.

Bree Smith on Come from Away

How did you get into acting? Was it always your plan?

Through doing a church pantomime. I used to play Tennis and football. i wanted to become the next Venus and Serena Williams. Then I performed in a church pantomime and I loved it so much I didn’t stop!

What are the best things about performing?

The adrenaline rush before going on stage. The audience reactions. You being able to share a story and it touch so many peoples lives in so many different way.

And the worst?

Learning all the different harmonies for each number. I love singing but I find it hard to pick up harmonies especially the alto line! Give me any piece of choreography and I’ll learn it but harmonies…….. not quite so easy. Also the rejections too. However every NO is just parting the way for that YES.

Now onto Manchester. Can you sum up what you love about this city.

The vibrancy. The night life. The people. The culture. The shopping. There is always much to do and I love it!

You’ve performed at the Lowry before, and the Hope Mill Theatre – are you looking forward to returning to the Salford stage here again?

Yes. I have performed at the Lowry in 3 professional shows and I also used to dance there on the CAT  dance scheme when I was younger.

What attracted you to Come from Away?

The music and the fact that it is a true story that needs to be told. Many people know the events of 9/11 but don’t know the aftermath and the kindness of all the people in Newfoundland.

If someone does not know the true story behind it, how would you sum up the appeal?

A story about 7,000 stranded passengers from around the world being clothed, fed and sheltered for five days whilst American airspace was closed due to the events of 9/11. It is a true story and these people are still living today. You will be laughing and crying all within the space of 1 minute. You don’t want to miss this show. It will change your outlook on life.

Hannah is a beautifully drawn character and you have met her. How was that?

I’ve met her in real life and remotely. I was in New York in August and she invited me to her house. I had tea and lunch with her and her daughter at their house. It was amazing seeing her, hugging her, laughing with her and just listening to her. she is so loving and so wise. All her family call her Granny and she said I could to. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I’m so privileged I got to meet the woman of whom story I tell every night on stage.

You are performing in the show into the new year. How will you spend Christmas?

I will spend Christmas at home with the family. As Manchester is basically my second home, I’m only a 30 minute train ride away. This is great because I get to spend the whole Christmas period at my family home when usually I would only have had the single day due to not working close to home.

Come from Away is at the Lowry from 3^rd December – 5^th January and you can book tickets here