Sunshine on Leith

A visit to AAOC kickstarted the show visits of 2022 for me and what better way to start than with the company of NODA Scottish Councillor Stuart McCue-Dick and Robbie, and a fantastic production of Sunshine on Leith.

The set was very cleverly designed and used to maximise the playing area of the Gaiety Theatre, and the additions of the separated sections of video screens let the audience be transported over to Leith.  This was very effective, well used and along with the solid pieces of set allowing for the physical parts of the set to move smoothly was excellent to see and added an even more modern feel to this newer musical.

The production team of Martin, Cammy and Lynne pulled together a seamless show with rich characters, impressive choral and punching solo vocals and effective choreography and movement.

For this production it was clear that the relationships between each character, whether main or minor were all strong and developed.  Our two leads Andrew Martin (Davy) and David Cannell (Ally) had the audience engaged from the start and their friendship was very believable throughout.  Using charisma to carry the story with strong acting and singing throughout the many songs and scenes they were in.  This strong relationship was continued in that of Jacqui Ferguson’s Jean and Neil Heath’s Rab.  Both jumped from comedy to softer touching moments with ease and in particular Jacqui’s “Sunshine on Leith” was very emotive.  Katy Brown gave a very soft and beautiful portrayal of nurse Yvonne, and this balanced wonderfully with Wendy Cannell’s feisty and comedic Liz.  Wendy brought a lot of extra comedy to the role which should be commended.

Supported with a strong ensemble of varying characters, each scene was well executed and Ciara Brady’s Eilidh, a part which has been changed slightly in this updated version of the script, in particular was very moving and brought more depth to the storyline with Eilidh, Rab and Jean.

A huge congrats once again to AAOC for knocking another show out the park (I was trying for a football reference due to the hibs / hearts highlights in the show … I don’t know if this is one, so I apologise just in case as football is kinda lost on me!!)

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