We are thrilled to announce that our production of Come From Away has been nominated for Best Musical and Best Ensemble in a Musical at the National School Theatre Awards. This recognition comes as a tremendous celebration of a show that was already brimming with energy, talent, and heart.
It came as no surprise that Director of Drama, Emma Cassim, was absolutely buzzing to stage Come From Away as this year’s musical. The minute the show was over, from every corner of the auditorium, you could hear murmurs of amazement at the scale, complexity, and sheer talent on display. This production was nothing short of extraordinary from start to finish and the standing ovations at every performance were certainly evidence of this.
The musical tells the story of the “plane people” diverted to Newfoundland in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks, a narrative filled with hope, humanity, unexpected connections, and above all, the power of community. And it was this sense of community that shone brightest. With a small ensemble of 18 split between two casts, the genuine friendships and trust formed behind the scenes radiated through every moment on stage, giving the performance its heart and authenticity.
The talent onstage was nothing short of extraordinary, rivalling that of seasoned professionals, a sentiment echoed by countless audience members. With every cast member taking on at least two roles, there was barely a moment to pause. They moved seamlessly through rapid-fire costume changes, hats, coats, and even accents shifting in an instant, to ensure each character was unmistakably defined.
One of the undeniable highlights was the Screech In number, which had the entire audience bopping along in their seats, grinning from ear to ear. This electrifying energy was beautifully balanced by the show’s more poignant moments, such as Something’s Missing, which brought a tear to more than a few eyes. The production struck this balance perfectly, with thoughtful direction and choreography that brought every scene to life with precision and heart.
While it’s impossible to single out individual performers, every one of them was exceptional, special recognition must go to both Kiya Foreman and Lexi Budd for their portrayal of Beverley Bass. The vocal strength and emotional depth required for this role are immense, yet both girls delivered it with remarkable energy, control, and sincerity. As the first female U.S. airline captain, Beverley Bass, and the real woman behind the character, embodies resilience, ambition, and leadership, qualities that reflect everything Burgess Hill Girls stands for.
Beyond the cast, the production team also deserve huge recognition. As Emma Cassim highlighted in her end‑of‑show thanks, once beginners are called and the performance begins, the entire operation is almost completely student‑run, from the lighting to the on‑stage set changes. It’s something we are incredibly proud of at Burgess Hill Girls: providing opportunities for students both on and offstage and equipping them with meaningful, transferable skills.
The creative team was also fortunate to be joined by Beth Gavin as choreographer, a school governor, and proud Bold Girl. For Emma, collaborating with Beth was “15 years in the making,” adding an extra layer of significance to this year’s production.
In every sense, Come From Away has been a shining example of the talent, dedication, and spirit within our school community. These nominations honour not just the performances onstage, but the collective effort behind them. We cannot wait to cheer our girls on at the National School Theatre Awards and to see where their ambition and artistry take them next.
