Win flights to Canada at York Stage’s Come From Away show

York Stage has announced its biggest-ever theatre giveaway, in partnership with Heritage Collection Travel, as part of its upcoming production of Come From Away which will run at the Grand Opera House from April 10 to 18.

Every ticket holder will be automatically entered and the winner will be revealed live at the end of one of the performances.

A Golden Seat moment will take place at the Grand Opera House York. (Image: York Stage)

One seat in the auditorium will be randomly selected in advance, and whoever is physically sitting in that chair on the night will win return flights for two to St. John’s, Newfoundland in Canada.

The prize is being gifted by independent York-based travel company Heritage Collection Travel, known for its personalised service and strong roots within the local community, as part of a unique local partnership with York Stage.

It is in celebration of the show’s powerful true story and its real-life connection to Newfoundland.

Come From Away is a musical that tells the true story of 7,000 airline passengers who were unexpectedly diverted to the small town of Gander, Newfoundland on 11 September 2001, and the extraordinary kindness shown by the local community.

In the following days, the people of Gander opened their homes, schools and halls to complete strangers. Lifelong friendships were formed. Annual reunions began. Many of those stranded passengers returned to Newfoundland years later to say thank you. What started as an emergency response became a global example of humanity at its best.

The ripple effect of that kindness has continued ever since, inspiring countless pay it forward moments around the world.

York Stage says the Golden Seat giveaway is their way of continuing that legacy.

Nick Briggs, producer and director at York Stage, said: “Come From Away is a story about strangers helping strangers.

“It’s about compassion when it’s needed most. The kindness shown in Gander didn’t stop when the planes left. It created a ripple effect that’s still felt today. The Golden Seat is our way of paying that forward and giving something meaningful back to our own community.”

Kevin Coundon, marketing director at York Stage, said: “This production is about more than what happens on stage. It’s about real people, real places and real acts of generosity. Partnering with Heritage Collection Travel allows us to connect York directly to Newfoundland in a tangible way. We hope this moment inspires people to carry that spirit of kindness beyond the theatre.”

Tickets for Come From Away are selling quickly, making it one of York Stage’s fastest-selling productions to date.

Michael Davies, managing director of Heritage Collection Travel, said: “As a local independent business, supporting initiatives that bring people together is

incredibly important to us. The story of Gander is one of humanity and hope. We’re proud to gift this prize in conjunction with York Stage and help send one l lucky audience member to experience Newfoundland for themselves.”

The Golden Seat performance will be pre-selected before the run begins, with the winner announced live during the show.

Tickets re available via the Grand Opera House York website.