Sunshine on Leith

After a three year enforced gap it was clear to see the cast’s delight at performing again. Familiar music, an emotive story line and a talented cast made this a show to remember. Considering current world events, the opening with the soldiers and their guns and the storyline of the two soldiers returning home seeking normality was particularly poignant. Josh Ure as Davy brought an edge to the role and grew in stature as events passed. David Mack belied his years as he tackled the part of Ally, rejected suitor, and how the audience felt that public rejection. The lads brought energy and pathos to their roles and proved well matched in their harmonies especially in opening numbers. Their girlfriends were just as effective. Charmain Leitch as Yvonne gave a rounded performance and her duets with Davy ‘Misty Blue’ and ‘Then I Met You’ were beautifully sung. Holly Marshall as Liz showed her mettle as she strove to make her own decisions and also sang strongly in the likes of ´’Make My Heart Fly’. All four created wonderful and powerful harmony. Meanwhile the crisis at the Silver Wedding Anniversary of Davy’s parents and the ensuing difficulties were well performed. Keith Carlyon gave us humour in the Scottish father of few words but deep feelings and canny advice. His love for wife Jean was obvious as was his need to recognise his daughter from the past. Despite conflicted feelings he brought dignity to the role creating emotional impact and singing his heart out. Gill Sullivan’s  stage experience came through as she developed the role of loving mother and then confused and hurt wife in both action and song, By the time she fired up emotions in ‘Should Have Been Loved’ and ‘Sunshine on Leith’ she had demonstrated what a talented performer she is.  All other roles were well focussed and supportive, Lauren Clark as Eilidh, Fiona Wandless as Hazel, Nicholas Brown as Innes, Josh Enever as Andy, Iona Watson as Moira and Eilidh Mack as Karen. The ensemble contributed to the whole: in character, moving with ease and singing with heart. This was a finely nuanced production -minimalist in terms of scenery; transitions accomplished seamlessly and cast using the stage to maximum effect. A powerful and engrossing performance, with the iconic ‘500 Miles’ at the end, left the audience begging for more.

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