IT'S curtain up this evening (Thursday, 9 October) for the latest production by TOPS on Stage at Thurrock's Thameside Theatre.

The presentation of the award-winning and breath-taking musical Come From away will see innovation and theatrical presentation that will reach a new high, not least becasue of the installation of a fully automated large revolving platform covering the best part of the stage.

For the past few months, under the directorship of Luke Coldham and musical director Clare Benson, the TOPS team have been reaharsing hard for the four shows that make up the production run.

Tickets are still available and can be booked for the four shows (including a Saturday matinee) via this link.

It's an intense production that shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these 'come from aways' into their lives with open hearts.

Luke says: "The revolving stage will be the focal point for the 12 incredible local performers playing over 50+ parts between them.

"Alongside the stella cast will be onstage Musical director Clare Benson, who shall be conducting her onstage eight piece orchestra around the revolve as the action unfolds in front the audience's eyes.

"This will be very different to TOPS usual sound with the involvement of an array of obscure musical instruments including: Fiddle, Mandolin, Whistle, Bodrum and even an Ugly Stick!

Musical director Clare Benson.

"Our audiences will have never seen anything like this show before and hope they will come down this week to the Thameside for an incredible and enjoyable night at the Theatre. Prepare to laugh, cry and be totally moved by the power of this sensational westend musical!"

Learn more about preparations for the show on TOPS' Facebook page.

Cast: Hollie Davy, Samantha Lewin, Louise Hatchard-Dougherty, Angela Phillips, Lauren Ghost, Lauren Jones, Michael Southgate, Joe Drury, Chris Foale, Sam Knight, Ian Benson, Billy Knowles.

Director: Luke Coldham

Musical Director: Clare Benson

Assistant Director / Choreographer: Liane Alton