Sunshine On Leith

With a projection set-up for back drops the slick scene changes worked excellently for this production of Sunshine on Leith. A welcome and happy choice of come-back show after two years.

An atmospheric opening of the war torn battlefield gave us an explosive chorus in ‘Sky Takes The Soul’, revealing the two main lads who dominate the story.

Davy (Richard Platt) in his first leading stage role was outstanding. For an English lad he managed a very convincing Scottish accent throughout and with his superb singing voice he is certainly a real find as a leading man.  

Ally (Daniel Drummond), also in his first leading role, proved his step up to lead was a well earned achievement by characterising the mischievous and cheeky best friend of Davy. They were both excellently cast as the soldiers coming home to Leith.

The opening number ‘On My Way’, witnessed a multi-framed, fun-filled traverse as the lads were welcomed home from Waverley Steps to Leith by a busy chorus of Edinburgh characters, cleverly choreographed to interject in their journey to The Central Bar.

The strong senior character Rab was perfectly portrayed by Iain Scott. With great diction and powerful vocals he delivered a celebration-worthy number, ‘Oh Jean’, while contributing in the angst of the emotive trio, ‘Life With You’, with Ally and Davy. Great trio guys!

Jean (Louise Szoneberg), will treasure this role, I’m certain. She epitomised the loving Mum, the dutiful, scorned and emotional wife, playing each and every line of the script with professional conviction. She and daughter Liz had some of the best comic one-liners in the show, delivered to perfection and audience appreciation. One of the highlights of the show, the title song ‘Sunshine on Leith’, was soulfully and beautifully sung. Her trauma, relayed in the dramatic Act 1 finale, proved a stark contrast of vocal strength in ‘Hate My Love’. The choral ‘still’ in the background was very effective. 

Newcomer (Ellis Hodgins), cast as Yvonne, absolutely shone in her first leading role. Her love interest, Davy, proved to be her perfect vocal partner too. As Davy led her through one of my favourite scenes on Blackford Hill singing ‘Misty Blue’, she proved her strong ability to harmonise. ‘Then I Met You’ was excellently sung and they both made massive contributions to ‘Make My Heart Fly’ and ‘Hate My Love’  with Ally and Liz.

From pantomime star to dramatic star, (Sophie Hyslop) played the feisty, quick-witted, fun-loving Liz. For this totally natural and comfortable actress, with equal singing ability, this was the perfect role.  On leaving her life in Leith, after turning down Ally’s marriage proposal she said goodbye to Yvonne and the hospital with a wonderfully supported quartet in ‘What Do You Do?’. As main feature  in the well known ‘Letter From America’, she with Davy, Ally and chorus with cathedral effect, resounded in the audience applause.   

A cameo role worthy of a mention was the ‘Better Days’ Busker (Alexander Edwards), also playing Innes, featuring his strong vocals in the fabulous number, ‘Let’s Get Married’. Ally, Davy and Andy (Steve Law), all played and sung their parts, supported by the Hibs supporters chorus in a hugely entertaining  pub scene, finally ending on a celebratory goal for Hibs. Hurray!  

One of the other cameo roles contributing to the stressful rollercoaster ride was the emotional revelation of Rab’s illegitimate daughter Eilidh, wonderfully portrayed by Rachel Inglis. Although this was a non-singing role, she played numerous other roles throughout the show and supported in choral numbers. 

I was very impressed with the lead vocalist (Suzanne Neilson) as Hazel in ‘Should Have Been Loved’. A brilliant scene which evolved through Rab’s heart attack into the hospital A&E. Also a special mention for the ‘Simple Things’ Wedding Singer (Louise Walker)

I just can't help mentioning one of my other favourite scenes at the Leith Business Centre. Where ‘clarity’ is key by training instructor (Frances Goldie) and with the clever chair choreography and student interaction in ‘Throw The “R” Away’, it was hilarious. Karen (Katie Rudkin) was superb and Ally turned on the James Bond 007 charm to perfection to finalise the scene.

Huge Congratulations on your comeback show and all your NODA awards. 

 

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