Come From Away, DarlingtonOS Review
Photo by Scott Akoz.
Written by Stacy for Theatre & Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
Having seen Come From Away on Broadway and again on the UK touring production, I really wasn’t sure what to expect from a local staging. It’s a deceptively complex show to say the least. Written by Irene Sancoff and David Hein, it's fast-paced, emotional, and built on an incredible sense of rhythm and timing. But from the moment that first note struck with precision, Darlington OS completely won me over. What they achieved on that stage was nothing short of incredible.
This show had heart and soul in abundance. The cast didn’t just perform...they lived each and every moment. You could see it in the way they moved together, listening and reacting like a true ensemble should. Each actor took on multiple roles, often switching accents, costumes, and emotional gears in an instant, and every change felt fluid and believable. There wasn’t a single weak link...everyone gave it their all.
I'd like to give a huge shout out to the live band, lead by musical director Steven Hood. Positioned up stage, they weren’t just accompaniment, they were part of the story and the energy they brought was electric, from the driving percussion to the haunting fiddle and accordion lines. 'Welcome to the Rock' burst into life with a pulse you could feel in your chest, and quieter moments like 'Prayer' and 'Stop the World' were beautifully supported but never overpowered. Honestly, the musicians were sensational and truly gave the show its heartbeat.
But it was the honesty within the performance that really struck a chord with me as its delivery didn't rely on elaborate sets or big technical tricks, the cast told this story through connection, movement, and sheer commitment. The direction and choreography, by Joanne Hand, was clever with every transition smooth and every gesture meaningful. It’s a show about kindness and humanity, and this group captured that essence perfectly.
By the end, I felt the same lump in my throat as I did sitting in that Broadway theatre a few years ago, I'd maybe even say more so, because this version felt so personal and close to home. The standing ovation was immediate and richly deserved.
Darlington OS's Come From Away is a triumph of community spirit, talent, and heart. It reminded me why I fell in love with the show in the first place and proved that you don’t need a West End budget to deliver something truly moving. Don't miss out as you will miss something truly sensational.
Come From Away plays at Darlington OS until November 1st.
★★★★★
