Meet the inspiring people behind the smash hit musical Come From Away

When disaster struck on September 11th, 2001, the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, became a symbol of compassion and humanity.

Within hours, 38 planes carrying 7,000 passengers were rerouted to this tiny community, doubling its population overnight. The townsfolk didn’t hesitate—they opened their homes, shared their food, and cared for strangers as if they were family.

This remarkable story is the heart of the Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away, currently captivating audiences at The Lowry in Manchester until January 5th. 

Behind the music and moving performances lie the real lives and extraordinary acts of kindness that inspired the show. And we were lucky enough to meet them. 

Diane and Nick: love amidst the chaos

Among the many stories of kindness and connection that emerged from the events in Gander, the unexpected love story of Diane and Nick Moston stands out as one of the most touching. Diane was an American schoolteacher from Texas travelling home from visiting family in England, while Nick, a Brit, was heading to the US on business. 

Both were passengers on the same plane, but their paths didn’t cross until their flight was grounded in Newfoundland.

“We didn’t actually meet on the plane,” Diane laughed. “I was upfront, keeping to myself, and Nick was one of the noisy drunks in the back.” Their first encounter came after they disembarked and were sent to the same emergency shelter.

Exhausted and overwhelmed, they were handed scratchy blankets that smelled strongly of mothballs. Diane broke the tension with a joke, saying, “Mothballs,” to which Nick replied with his own wry humour, “Camphor. That was my chat up line, and it worked.” 

That small exchange marked the beginning of a bond that would deepen over the next few days.

Thrown together by circumstances, the pair found themselves leaning on each other for comfort and distraction in the midst of chaos. 

“It was such an intense time,” Diane recalled. “We didn’t know what was happening back home or when we’d be able to leave. In that uncertainty, we had to find small joys and keep each other going.”

The people of Gander, with their remarkable hospitality, provided the backdrop for Diane and Nick’s burgeoning romance. From meals shared with strangers to late-night conversations in the shelter, their connection blossomed. By the time their flight was cleared to leave, they had exchanged contact information and promised to keep in touch.

True to his word, Nick called Diane soon after she returned home. The distance didn’t weaken their connection—it strengthened it. They spent hours on the phone, getting to know each other better. By November 2001, just two months after their initial meeting, Nick proposed over the phone from 5,000 miles away. Diane said yes, and the couple embarked on a new chapter of their lives together. They even honeymooned in Gander, years later. 

Their story is now immortalised in Come From Away, where actors recount their journey from strangers to soulmates. Diane and Nick have seen the show more than 150 times, describing it as a unique way to relive and celebrate their love. “For us, it’s not just a story,” Diane said. “It’s our story. It shows how, even in the darkest moments, love can find a way to shine through. Every time we see the show again it’s like renewing our vows.” 

For Diane, their relationship represents one of the play’s core messages: even in times of tragedy, human connection and kindness can create something beautiful. “Our happiness grew out of a shared experience of heartbreak,” Diane reflected. “We’ll always carry that with us—and we hope others find hope in it, too.”

Their story, along with so many others from Gander, continues to inspire audiences worldwide. As Diane said, “Love can be found in the most unlikely places, even over a mothball-scented blanket.”

Beulah Cooper: “be more Beulah”

One of the most poignant stories from Gander is that of Beulah Cooper, a local resident who played a quiet yet pivotal role during the crisis. Beulah’s first act of kindness began with a phone call asking her to make sandwiches for the passengers arriving at the local Legion. “I didn’t know what was going on,” Beulah recalled. “I made the sandwiches, brought them down, and asked what was happening. That’s when I found out about the planes.”

Beulah stayed at the Legion to help however she could. She opened her home to stranded passengers, offering showers and a place to rest. “The first thing I said was, ‘Thank God they’re coming here,’” Beulah shared. “I knew they’d be looked after.”

Amanda Henderson, who portrays Beulah in Come From Away, describes her as an inspiration. “Spending just one day with Beulah felt like being with family. She doesn’t see what she did as extraordinary, but it truly was,” Amanda said. Inspired by her real-life counterpart, Amanda sums up Beulah’s spirit with a simple mantra: Be More Beulah.

“It means just getting on with it,” Amanda explained. “If making a tray of sandwiches can make someone’s day, then do it. What’s wrong with putting a smile on someone’s face?”

Claude Elliott – the man behind the Mayor

Gander’s former mayor, Claude Elliott, was a key figure in organising the town’s response. Portrayed by Nicholas Pound in the musical, Claude reflects on the deep-rooted culture of kindness in Newfoundland.

When Gander’s population suddenly doubled, the community didn’t hesitate. 

“It’s our way of life. It didn’t just happen 23 years ago. It goes back to our great-grandfathers’ time when people helped each other. 

“The weather is harsh here, survival was tough, and people made it through by helping each other. Farmers made sure fishermen had potatoes, and fishermen made sure farmers had fish.

“It was always about giving the same love and compassion to strangers as to your family and neighbours.

For Claude, the story of Gander serves as a reminder that kindness transcends tragedy.

“I hope they take away kindness, compassion, and love, and try to implement those in their daily lives. Smile at a stranger, say hello. This week, I’ve been giving my spare change to homeless people here because I don’t need it. 

“You never know what put someone in that position. Small acts of kindness can go a long way. We won’t always agree on everything, but at the end of the day, if you were in my town, I’d make sure you had plenty to eat and drink.

“We don’t see ourselves as stars. We never did anything extraordinary. In New York, I told someone it wasn’t a big deal for us. He said, “It wasn’t a big deal for you, but it was extraordinary for us.” 

“Sometimes we forget that others aren’t used to this kind of kindness.”

A lesson in humanity

For the actors in Come From Away, bringing these stories to life is both a privilege and a challenge. Amanda Henderson highlights the unique connection between the cast and real-life characters. “Meeting Beulah was like finding family,” she says. “It shows how kindness can create bonds that last a lifetime.”

Diane agrees, emphasising the universal appeal of the show. “It’s about helping your neighbour without expecting anything in return. That’s something the world needs more of.”

From offering meals to providing a place to sleep, the people of Gander demonstrated that even small actions can have a profound impact. As Diane put it, “They didn’t care where you were from or what language you spoke. You were a human being who needed help, and that’s all that mattered.”

Why You Should See Come From Away

More than a musical, Come From Away is a testament to the enduring power of human kindness. As Claude Elliott said, “This show is about what love, compassion, and kindness can do in the face of tragedy. And it reminds us that we don’t need tragedy to live that way daily.”

Whether it’s Diane and Nick’s love story, Beulah’s selfless sandwiches, or Claude’s reflections on community, Come From Away is a timely reminder of what unites us.

Running at the Lowry in Manchester until January 5th, this extraordinary production will leave you laughing, crying, and—most importantly—believing in the goodness of humanity. Don’t miss your chance to experience the stories behind the kindness.

Tickets for Come From Away at the Lowry

Come From Away is on at the Lowry until January 5th. You can get your tickets by clicking here