Calling all StageSiders, welcome to a new review here at StageSideUK. This time around we are going to be talking about Darlington Operatic Society’s newest smash hit, Come From Away. So settle in islanders, the review is about to begin!
Disclaimer: we were gifted two free tickets in exchange for an honest review of the show.
Trigger warning: this review will mention difficult themes such as loss, death, isolation and the events of 9/11.
Come From Away is a staple show when you think of big modern musicals. Perhaps not the most sparkling and sequin filled, but definitely one of the most emotional stories to grace the stage.
“7,000 Stranded Passengers. One Small Town. A Remarkable True Story.
Winner of four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical in London and the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical on Broadway, this smash hit show shares the incredible real-life story of the 7,000 air passengers from all over the world who were grounded in Canada during the wake of 9/11, and the small Newfoundland community that invited these ‘come from aways’ into their lives with open hearts.” (Taken from the Come From Away Website)
Written by Irene Sankoff and David Hein, Come From Away tells the real-life story of some remarkable people and how they acted in a time of need. The plot is handled with sensitivity and the language is so, incredibly, purposeful.
When Darlington Operatic Society announced this show as part of their 2026 season, I know it was in safe hands. Off the back of two hugely successful shows (Made in Dagenham and Everybodys Talking About Jamie), it did not come as a surprise that DOS would be doing yet another box office hit!
Walking into the auditorium, you are greeted by a mixture of folktales, shanties and typical pub singalongs. The mood is set and the show begins. The very first number is packed with emotion, energy and some choral singing that gave me goosebumps. The choral awesomeness also continued throughout and a huge well done has to go to the whole cast whos vocal talent is just amazing.
When it comes to stand out stars, Julian Cound played a great deal of characters, each with their own accents and mannerisms. He always gives his all in any show he is in, but in Come From Away, you could see how much he enjoyed singing each note, saying each line and really taking on the roles in this show.
Another stand out star is Samantha Morrison who absolutely belted Me and The Sky, and hit every note! Morrison also gave a well rounded performance as the islanders and the travelling customers aboard the grounded plane.
A big shout out also has to go to the Band, who really did a great job at keeping the music slick, the pacing quick and those real stand out moments really had their time in the spotlight!
Darlington Operatic Society are really taking things up a notch, and Come From Away is joining their impressive history of truly professional grade performances.
Accessibility:
The show features some loud music, specifically in the choral vocal moments. The show also uses lighting effects and touches on themes such as death, isolation, terrorism and 9/11. This show could be potentially triggering for some people, but I found the show completely enjoyable with no triggers for me, personally.
Value for Money:
With tickets maxing out at £30, this is an absolutely steal of a show! The quality is top notch and the pricing does not reflect the level of care an attention that has gone into it! £30 is a complete steal and well worth the investment. Plus the Operatic Society are running a special offer on their band B tickets “ADULT Special Offer : 2 Band B Seats for £42”.
I think this has to be one of the easiest five stars from StageSideUK.
Have your say!
Are you an honorary Islander? Let me know in the comments and let’s get a discussion going.
As always, please be respectful of each other’s opinions and be kind to each other. Bullying will not be tolerated and harmful language will be removed.
Head over to the Terms and conditions page to learn more about our policies, here at StageSideUK.
Follow us on Twitter and give our page a like on Facebook.
Featured images have been referenced and are used in line with fair usage, in the copyright act.
Photography credit – Scott Akoz Photography