“It’s a real privilege to tell this story,” says Sabrina Hinchliffe. “It’s something we all in some way lived through, so everyone can connect with it.”
Indeed, it’s hard to believe it’s now 24 years since the terrorist attacks of September 11th, 2001. The Tony Award-winning musical Come From Away is about how one community responded to that tragedy.
Through a blend of storytelling and folk-rock music, we see how people in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland, pulled together to support the 7,000 passengers and crew on 38 aeroplanes which were diverted to land there.
Starring as Beverley, Sabrina Hinchliffe
Sabrina plays Beverley, the pilot of one of those planes.
“She’s a strong, powerful woman who’s worked hard to get where she is. She’s pushed through hearing the word “no” a lot. But when she’s stranded in Gander, you see the softer side to her, how concerned she is about her husband and children back at home.”
By day, Sabrina is a drama teacher and resident director at a school in Guildford. “I love exploring theatre with all different age groups”, she says. She also runs Project Theatre Company based in Woking, and has her own floristry business.
Sabrina’s played leading roles in musicals with companies across Surrey and Hampshire but Come From Away is her first show with BATS.
“I love the show. When I first saw it in London I went in having no idea what it was about - and it really hit me hard, it was so moving. Since then it’s been one of my favourite shows and when BATS got the rights to stage it, I knew had to audition!”
Now the small ensemble cast is deep into rehearsals, how would Sabrina describe the experience so far?
“The whole process is a challenging one, but in the best way possible. We’re pushing ourselves in ways we haven’t been pushed before. It’s enjoyable, and it feels like an important thing to be able to do.”
“We’re a community, telling a story about community. The focus isn’t on sadness or tragedy, it’s on how they respond to that tragedy, with kindness and human connection. It’s an uplifting story - and a really powerful piece of theatre.”
See Sabrina in Come From Away from 19-22 November 2025. Evening performances at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. View show information and book tickets.