Neon Lights and Summer Nights

The group has enjoyed an exceptional year, celebrating both the Pride of Britain and the Pride of Scotland awards, and now they step back into the spotlight with their latest annual production, Neon Lights and Summer Nights. Act One, Neon Lights, bursts with the sounds of the 1980s, delivering a vibrant mix of some the decade’s most loved hits. Act Two, Summer Nights, shifts gears into the world of the musical Grease, presented through a licensed script adapted for the company by Stephanie Laing. From the moment the curtain rose on Act One, the cast’s costumes provided a splash of colour, instantly setting the tone for an upbeat and nostalgic evening. The show opened with a warm and engaging welcome from Margaret Caven, Ethan Rowan, Sophie Skilling, Millie Thorburn and Joanne Toner, before the full company joined them in the opening number, ‘Fame’. What followed was a dive into nineteen iconic musical numbers from the 1980s, each delivered with infectious energy and culminating in a spirited finale of ‘What a Feeling’ from Flashdance. While it would be impossible to name every song, what stood out most was the unwavering commitment from the entire cast, ensembles, soloists and dancers who filled the stage with enthusiasm and sheer joy. In Act Two, Paul Fraser and Catherine Kennedy confidently steered the company through the story of ‘Grease’ as narrators, while Monica Brannan (Sandy) and Liam Hughes (Danny) delivered fantastic performances with great vocals that anchored the production and brought the story to life. The Pink Ladies were played by Susan Bowden, Erin Kenney, Katy Maxwell and Lindsay Hughes who brought energy and attitude to the roles matched by the T-Birds played by Alistair McIntosh, David Stark, Arron Jack and Sean Crawford. Other principals included Abbie Smith (Cha Cha); Abbie Priestman (Principal McGhee) and Graham Hughes (Vince Fontane) which added to a well-rounded cast. Whether in the sweeping company numbers or the ensemble moments, every performer provided energy and commitment. The costume team once again showcased their creativity and attention to detail, ensuring the visual impact matched the ambition of the production. Along with the audience, I thoroughly enjoyed the show, which provided great entertainment.

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