Come From Away is a powerful and uplifting musical that shines a light on an extraordinary act of kindness during a time of global crisis.
When the skies over North America were suddenly closed on September 11, 2001, 38 planes were rerouted to the remote town of Gander, Newfoundland, leaving nearly 7,000 passengers stranded in an unfamiliar place.
What followed was a spontaneous and heartfelt response from the people of Gander.
With no warning and limited resources, they opened their homes and hearts to complete strangers. Through simple acts of compassion, the spirit of community flowed — warm, generous, and deeply human.
Now, newly released for amateur performance, Come From Away has been brought to life by DarlingtonOS, who have once again proven their theatrical excellence with a deeply moving and entertaining production.
The main cast is split into two teams; I had the pleasure of seeing the Yellow Team on the evening I attended, and they were faultless throughout.
This is truly an ensemble piece of theatre. Every member of the cast was perfectly in sync, bursting with energy, and seamlessly transforming into various members of the Gander community and the unexpected visitors.
The mood shifted smoothly from moments of tension to tenderness, humour, and hope — a testament to the cast’s cohesion and emotional range.
Director Joanne Hand’s choreography and staging were clever and slick.
With minimal set changes, the cast used chairs and props to transform the stage into airplanes, shelters, and pubs, maintaining clarity and momentum throughout.
Musical director Steven Hood led a live band positioned upstage, effortlessly woven into the fabric of the performance, adding drive and emotional depth to every scene.
DarlingtonOS’s production of Come From Away is a triumph — heartfelt, energetic, and beautifully executed. It’s a story that reminds us of the power of kindness, and this company tells it with sincerity and skill.
Come From Away runs until Saturday November 1 at Darlington Hippodrome — don’t miss it.
