Preview: Come From Away at Darlington Hippodrome

North East theatre company all set for Come From Away

Darlington Operatic Society is all set to stage the groundbreaking musical Come From Away in an exciting and much anticipated new production.

Darlington Operatic Society (DarlingtonOS) is just three weeks away from its forthcoming production of the globally acclaimed musical Come From Away, which will take to the Darlington Hippodrome stage later this month.

Photo: Scott Akoz 

Directed by Joanne Hand, with musical direction by Steven Hood, this timely and heartwarming show will run from Wednesday 22 October to Saturday 1 November. The production promises to bring a message of hope, community, and resilience to audiences as it tells the true story of how 7,000 airline passengers were stranded in a small town in Newfoundland following the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

Come From Away, which made its Broadway debut in 2017, has been lauded for its ability to showcase the beauty of human kindness in the face of tragedy. The musical focuses on the people of Gander, Newfoundland, who opened their homes and hearts to thousands of passengers when 38 planes were diverted to their small town after U.S. airspace was closed. The heartfelt narrative is underscored by remarkable music that blends folk, rock, and traditional musical theatre styles, creating an unforgettable experience for the audience.

Photo: Scott Akoz 

Director Joanne Hand: “A story of hope and humanity” Director Joanne Hand is excited to bring this emotional and uplifting story to the Darlington stage. “Come From Away is a show that resonates with people across the globe because it taps into the universal themes of empathy, kindness, and unity,” Joanne says. “The events of September 11 may feel like a distant memory, but the spirit of generosity and selflessness shown by the people of Gander is a timeless message that is incredibly relevant today. I am thrilled to be working with the talented team at DarlingtonOS to bring this story to life in a way that will engage and inspire our local audience.”

Hand, who has previously directed numerous successful productions at Darlington Hippodrome, notes the importance of this particular show. “This production is particularly special because it not only highlights the resilience of a community, but also demonstrates the incredible power of theatre to bring people together, particularly after a difficult time. I’m honoured to be a part of telling this important story.”

Photo: Scott Akoz 

Musical Director Steven Hood, who is renowned for his work in musical theatre in the north east, has been deeply moved by Come From Away’s music. “The score is simply outstanding,” Hood explains. “It’s one of those rare musicals where the music perfectly complements the story. From the upbeat folk-style numbers to the more introspective ballads, every song speaks to the emotional arc of the characters. The challenge and joy of this production is how we will bring those elements to life with a local cast and musicians, and we’re all incredibly excited about the chemistry we’ve already started to see develop in rehearsals.”

Steven also shares that the music’s ability to combine humour and heart makes it a unique challenge for any musical director. “There’s such a beautiful balance in this score - it’s emotionally deep but never heavy-handed. It can make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think. I believe our Darlington audience is going to feel deeply connected to the story through the music. It’s a soundtrack for our times, for sure.”

Eddie Taylor-Jones, Chair of DarlingtonOS, is equally enthusiastic about the forthcoming production, describing it as an exciting milestone for the theatre company. “We are absolutely delighted to be bringing Come From Away to Darlington Hippodrome. It is a show that perfectly captures the heart of what DarlingtonOS is all about - bringing high-quality, meaningful theatre to our local community,” Taylor-Jones states.

Photo: Scott Akoz 

“This production is a major undertaking, and it speaks to the incredible talent and dedication of our team. It’s an iconic show that has been embraced around the world, and we’re thrilled to be staging it here in Darlington. We’re confident that the cast and crew, under the leadership of Joanne and Steven, will bring their full passion and commitment to making this production a memorable one for all of our audience members.”

Taylor-Jones also highlights the impact of the production on Darlington’s cultural scene. “Come From Away is a show that will touch people from all walks of life, and it’s wonderful to be able to offer such a powerful and uplifting experience right here in Darlington. We look forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces to the Hippodrome this autumn.”

Tickets:

Come From Away will run at Darlington Hippodrome from Wednesday 22 October to Saturday 1 November. Tickets are on sale now, to book call the ticket hotline on 01325 244659 or book online at www.darlingtonos.org.uk.