COME From Away is a wonderful journey for theatre-goers of all ages.

The word 'journey' is pivotal in understanding the warm all-embracing message.

A piece of musical theatre you will never forget . . . or want to forget.

Sung from start to finish, it is one of the best-paced shows I have seen.

But there are so many moments to savour in 100 powerful, poignant and joyous minutes.

There's no interval so be prepared.

Based on a strange but true story it's a celebration in these dark times of how the spirit of ordinary people and the kindness of strangers can make this a better world.

This gives an alternative more positive interpretation of the phrase 'global warming.'

Out of the horrors of 9/11 in 2001and the destruction of the Twin Towers we were all aware that life would never be the same again.

Direct from the West End, Come From Away is centred on the town of Gander in New Foundland.

It was the place where 39 aeroplanes were diverted during the 9/11 attacks as America's air space was put on hold.

More than 7,000 people were temporarily relocated for five days and the good folk of Gander (population 10,000) opened their hearts and doors to the 'Come From Awayers' - as the community called those not from their area.

Captain Beverley Bass - the first female pilot with American Airlines - was grounded and became an inspirational figure.

She had already made history. Now she was a player in another momentous achievement.

This feel good story needed to be told and shared.

From Broadway to the world it's rightly picked up awards for its storytelling.

It is now on its first UK and Ireland tour.

An ensemble cast of 12 versatile performers play multiple roles aided by a faultless eight-piece band.

Songs are well structured and not a word is wasted in lyrical narrative.

The characters tell their tales direct to the audience and dialogue is witty throughout relying on perfect timing from the hard workng cast.

It is an ensemble cast so It would be unfair to spotlight one performer.

This is, after all, a celebration of teamwork.

The 15 songs from the band - planted around the minimal - set - are a delight.

One foot-tapping jig was reminiscent of the animated film The Snowman's and the Irish flavoured dance sequence in the North Pole.

There's Gaelic folk, pop ballads and a 'lullaby' feel to other compositions Directed by Christopher Ashley it is musical for all tastes and ages.

Writers Irene Sankoff and David Hein have skilfully made the majority of people composite characters but there's lovely scenes between a couple finding love in such bizarre surroundings.

Come From Away never once loses sight of the individual and collective contributions people made back in 2001.

Humour is scattered throughout and one highlight is the tradition of 'kissing the cod.'

Sounds fIshy, but it's true.

Every show has a big number and here Captain Bass sings Me and The Sky.

The lighting and clever use of tables and chair props also deserve special praise.

The pre-finale wraps up what happened next.

A standing ovation will no doubt seal every show . . . every journey and there's that word again - journey.

Many real people happily re-discovered themselves en route during that deeply earth-shattering and emotional time.

I have another destination to add to my bucket list. I want to go to Newfoundland and have more than a gander at this magical place.

For now, I might just book a return ticket to the Empire - I need to 'top up' that feel good factor.

Verdict: Soaringly Uplifting.

Five stars. It is on until March 23.

Tickets from Atg tickets.com/liverpool