Come From Away

Sometimes you really have to take a moment, step back and really consider just how exceptional a production is. Well Darlington Operatic Society’s Come From Away was one of those moments. Having previously seen the West End Show and feeling a bit underwhelmed I was looking forward to seeing how DOS would tackle this, under the expertise direction of Joanne Hand I knew they would have a fresh take on it.

This production seemed worlds away from what I had previously seen. The energy levels were through the roof, the vocals simply sublime and more importantly I felt connected with every single character, every cast member of the Yellow team drawing me into their story and making it believable and honest.

Come From Away tells the story in the aftermath of 9/11 and the 38 planes that were diverted to Newfoundland and a small town of Gander. With such an emotive backdrop to a production it was vital that the characters were handled sensitively and the stories heard and that’s precisely what DOS delivered. 

As the programme mentions every member of the cast is named with + others, a sign of how busy and involved everyone is in this production. With simple costume changes and very clever accent and behavioural switches this cast jumped personalities with ease. Every single member of the cast added quality to the story and it almost feels wrong to mention anyone in this report as remove 1 member of the cast and the unity and togetherness would have collapsed, that’s one of the key factors that made this such a successful performance.

Under the musical expertise of MD Steven Hood the quality of the vocal delivery, in solo and ensemble pieces was sensational. Not only were the harmonies clear and tight but the balance, aided by expertise from Tyne Audio, not only ensured vocal clarity but added to the emotion and tension within key numbers.

Come From Away is famous not only for its story but also for 2 main numbers that have become huge hits, notably Welcome to The Rock and Me and The Sky and whilst these were brilliant and lived up to their hype with the opening number setting the tone with pace, energy and sublime timing in a tricky number and Samantha Morrison delivering a beautiful passionate story with Me and The Sky. For me these numbers were 2 of many exceptional story telling and musical masterclasses.

With multi nationalities, religions and faiths all being suddenly thrust into co-habiting in a small town and with emotions running high the number “Prayer”, the finale of Act One really touched me. It really captured not only the sensitivity of the situation but also the community spirit and compassion shown by all roles in the show. It was beautifully handled, not only visually but also with great soul and sincerity.

Despite this being an ensemble show and a great demonstration of multiple performers combining to deliver a serious and compassionate message I feel that it is only right to highlight a few individuals within the show who really shone in their roles. 

Despite the pace and constant changing of scenes and situations there are a few roles who remain constant, tying the story together and ensuring, alongside the slick staging, that the story moves at pace. Christopher McCann was one of these playing alongside others as the Mayor of Gander. What a controlled performance, handling the complexities of situations and characters with such compassion and elegance. Often in conflict with Jason Slater, the driven and tense Union Boss and managing to control the town committee, his stage presence was perfect for this role. His scenes with Cameron Jackson, the local Cop were brilliant, the two of them delicately handling each situation with great energy and tension. Their tense behaviour a complete contrast to the wonderful Zoe Kent and Samantha Morrision providing essential support for the stranded passengers. Sam’s flirtatious behaviour with the hunky pilot, Hamish Sams, instantly brought crashing back to earth by a wonderfully direct and straight talking Zoe. Kirsty Furness was a joy to watch as the animal obsessed activist, purely focussed on one cause - looking after the animals on board. Her passion and determination delivered with real grit and then brought crashing back down to earth with her superbly delivered and emotional farewell. (yes I may have teared up slightly)

Sam would not only play a pivotal role in Gander but also a vital role as Beverely, our pilot. Showing a lovely balance between a straight talking and controlled airline officer and her own family side demonstrated this actresses great versatility. As previously mentioned a vocal masterclass in Me and The Sky giving us a lovely insight to her background.

Within the many characters portrayed we had Gander residents mixing with stranded passengers from all backgrounds and one key cast member who tied the whole story together, acting as our roving reporter on the ground was the prodigious Lucy Adams as Janice. Quite simply a sensational delivery of this role, bringing her own unique bubbly style and energy. She has a connection with an audience that is real and honest. Often jumping in between tense scenes to not only keep the story narrative on track but to often bring some light relief to the scenes. Another actress who doubled up in numerous roles switching characters at ease showing just what a key performer she has become in the DOS ranks.

The majority of the other “principal” roles were those of passengers on the flights. Their own stories of fear, confusion and soul searching really captured in the numbers Wherever We Are and Lead Us Out of the Darkness. 

The relationships that were not only formed but failed within these characters really gave the production depth and quality. Eddie Taylor-Jones and James Bearpark were a perfect match as a couple Kevin and Kevin. The optimistic and jovial energy of James a lovely contrast to the shy and thoughtful side of Eddie. Both captured their characters perfectly with the two actors demonstrating the opposite characteristics so well it made sense when their break-up at the end became apparent. 

On the opposite end of relationships we had the brilliant Charlotte Sisson and Christian Brabin. Two very different characters thrust together in this most tense of settings yet finding not only themselves but each other. Christian’s stuttering English accent and mannerisms were a lovely mix with Charlotte’s energy and passionate character. In the background of the horror around them it was so warm and comforting to watch this develop and the number “Stop The World” was one of the most moving and brilliantly delivered numbers of the night. Two not only brilliant actors but with vocals to die for making this a true dream team.

Joshua Kay as Bob was seriously impressive, developing his character from a nervous and tense Teen into a confident Whiskey drinking key figure in the crew. It was fabulous to see a new side of the ever-impressive Harrison Bateman. Fresh from his role as Jamie as an extravert and larger than life character seeing him in a straight and quiet role as the Egyptian Ali truly showing how versatile he is becoming. You truly felt for him as tensions rose and people’s inner anxiety towards middle-eastern races grew. This was most evident in the Act Two number, The Edge. The way he handled the excellent barrage of abuse delivered by Scott Edwards, a true testament to staying in character off script. Delroy Witbeen in his DOS debut as Muhumuza handled his character with great control delivering a key part to the story.

Jenni Wilkinson in my eyes had the most emotive role to play within the show as Hannah, a mother desperate to find out the fate of her son back home in New York. Her anxiety levels and desperation were brilliantly balanced and we could feel the tension grow ultimately leading to the most passionate finale and inevitable outcome. Jenni handled this with great sensitivity demonstrating a lovely maternal side to match her lovely vocals.

I wish I could mention every single cast member but every single member of the cast was sublime. Lucy Ivison, Amy Fudali, Zoe Cullen, Orla Mulcahy and Katie Spencer all brought their own qualities to the production, vocally and visually adding so much depth and expertise. With an energy level held to such a high standard, the Bar scene and finale really brought an element of light relief to what at times could seem a heavy story - both delivered with such fun and camaraderie. 

Now the story and background to this show may suggest it is all doom and gloom but it is far more than that. The show is about a community coming together and working together as one and DOS not only conveyed this but also showed how this production came together with the same core values. Hard work, team work and a sole purpose - to deliver results a true picture of both the story and performance.

Huge accolades must go to Director and Choreographer Joanne Hand for not only her vision but passion for not only bringing this to stage but for delivering a production well above the quality I saw in the West End. The setting was by DOS standards simple yet brilliantly effective with shuttered sliding screens masking the most brilliant of bands on stage. A simple 2 foot movement of a screen combining with some chair movements to completely transform each scene. The choreography was so detailed despite the majority being chair based with every head twist and turn and every arm raise and drop pin perfect sync. More importantly was her eye for detail with every cast member not understanding their role, but believing in themselves to deliver it to the highest standard. Amazingly this wasn’t just perfected with 1 cast but with 2 full sets of performers. Unfortunately I could only make 1 set but I hear that both were exceptional. 

Joanne creates a platform for her talented performers to shine and it was great that she not only recognised the actors but also the amazing band who came forward to join in the great finale, joining in the celebrations for possibly the most exceptional piece of “Amateur” Theatre I have witnessed to date. A huge thank you for my warm invite and I can’t wait to see what surprises you have in store for Joseph!

 

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