Sunshine on Leith

Within the space of a month, this was my third viewing of this show and, as with all three productions, I have been very much aware that this musical has been an absolute sell-out for the three societies concerned! And that is good news indeed! Tayport was the first winner of the Border Studio Award and, on viewing the special technical effects used on this small county town stage I, once more, marvelled at what the society achieved in the use of actual photograph projections of the Edinburgh/Leith locations – in fact for all 36 scenes in the show! They truly enhanced this production. By now, everyone knows the story of the two soldiers returning home from the war in Afghanistan to Edinburgh and the repercussions they set in motion. The society brought out a very strong cast and Scott McRouvie (Davy) and Billy Naismith (Ally) were perfectly cast as the soldiers who both bonded well together in these roles as buddies with their comedy timing spot on, and the quick change called for when their dramatic side was required. As their special girls, Claire Rioch was really excellent as the dedicated, albeit English (!) nurse, Yvonne, and Ailsa Laurie was the adventurous and spirited Liz who dreamed of faraway places and brought turmoil at Davy’s proposal. Both girls also bonded well together in their roles and I did enjoy the “Misty Blue” sung by these four performers. Experienced Lynn Binnie was at her dramatic, and intense, best in her role as Jean, Ally’s mother, whose love for husband, Rab, results in domestic upset because of a past discretion by him. As her husband, Brian Boardman, another experienced player, brought all his stage talents to the fore in this role, with Kris Mordente playing Young Rab, and Eilidh Robertson as Margaret, the lady from his past. Again, this flashback was very nicely presented with the excellent use of back projection making a memorable backdrop to the poignant scene. When called for, the company all wholeheartedly threw themselves into their chorus ensembles and, when the “famous” song arrived, the audience was loudly clapping along in time to the musical beat with the company and Piper David Walker and the atmosphere in the auditorium was totally electric. TADAMS you have a cracker of a hit on your hands!

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