Sunshine On Leith

HATS are back with Sunshine on Leith based on the songs of The Proclaimers, twins Craig and Charlie Reid. First performed in 2007 Stephen Greenhorn also known for writing for The Bill, Doctor Who and his play adaptation of Wide Sargasso Sea to mention a few. I am always in awe of how a writer can do this, where do they start from? Does one song explode into a million ideas? It was noticeable how the various song cues fitted and shaped the narrative. The song Sunshine on Leith was voted the best football song in the UK in 2018.

With simple composite set. Black on the wings. Back cloth of a sunny Scottish day with fields and trees. Raised mound at the back covered in greenery with stone wall in front.  Various scenes where played out in front with cast and crew moving set - the pub, house, hospital & work place. I did think the bringing of the bed could have been darker so we didn’t see Rab getting into bed. All in all the set worked and kept the action moving. Set design by Ian Brown and David Darlington. Props by Sharon Kellie. Lighting was good and unobtrusive during the scenes. There were some issues with Sound which I am sure would be ironed out as the show continues. Sound by Ashley Foster and Paul Roberts.

Costumes were all in keeping and fitted the characters as did hair and make-up. Costume by Diane Pepper and Sharon Shaw.

Choreography was good and good use of the stage. Lovely moment when the young version of Jean dances while the adult Jean is by Rabs bed. Choreography by Lorraine Brown. Assistant Choreographer was Gemma Marr and Dance Captain Natalie Beaumont.  Musical Director was George Baldwin and he must have had great fun taking the cast through their paces with this show. I have a confession to make - I am not a Proclaimers fan - I know, I am sorry. But I was pleasantly surprised and next time one of their songs comes on I won’t switch it off. Result! Strong start with Sky Takes Your Soul. On Keyboards was George Baldwin, Guitar was Ben Thomas, Bass Guitar - Theo Tambourini-Kay, Drums was Tom Marrow, Violin was Richie Dunne and Viola was Henry Grant. Well done.

Jaccqui Brian makes her Musical Directorial debut for HATS and makes good use of the stage and staging. Effective changes between scenes and minimal set helped keep this show moving and the chorus were also used effectively adding to the scenes. Just a couple of times with dialogue between two people I would have liked to see them to talk to each other instead of the audience - just a slight thought on body positioning perhaps. Accents were spot on and loved the drummer coming in to open the show through the audience.

Lauren Brown takes on the part of Eilidth. The difficult moment of confronting the father you never knew you had was handled sensitively. 

Paul Dawson played Rab and Sharon Shaw played his wife Jean. Their journey is interesting, happily married and about to celebrate their anniversary until the daughter he never knew he had rocks their world. The scene where Rab has his heart attack while carrying shopping to prepare a sorry meal for Liz was very powerful.

Stephanie Kay was Yvonne the young English nurse working in Scotland. Once Stephanie’s nerves settled and she got into the part we could see her relax and hear her lovely voice and harmonies with Ryan.

Neil Brogan was Ally. Thinking his life is all mapped and then crushed when it is not how he thought it would play out. You hope he will get back with Liz, well I did. The camaraderie came out with Davy played by Ryan Stanton and there was a good feel to the relationship. Ryan had an easy flow and energy to his character that worked with his parents, girlfriend, mate and sister. Very rounded character and superb voice.

Hannah Ward-Jones playing Liz was great, you could see the turmoil festering in her when her father falls ill. Her plans are in jeopardy but she has to fulfil her dreams even though her family responsibilities are trying to break through, her father Rab gives her the green light to go. Excellent performance and delightful voice.

The cast, crew and committee must be delighted with the sunshine they brought to Bolton this week. Congratulations!

Thank you for the invite and hospitality from my guest Rachel and I.

Liz Hume-Dawson

D5 Rep

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