SUNSHINE ON LEITH

“Sunshine on Leith” is written around the music of the famous Scottish twins, The Proclaimers.  Having never seen the film or musical previously I was excited to see what this production was all about.

The plot follows the highs and lows of two soldiers returning from a tour in Afghanistan. For me the shining performances of the night came from these two returning soldiers Davy and Ally, played by the ever-talented Ben Tomlinson and Paul Metcalfe respectively. They were both outstanding in their roles and were vocally excellent, taking the audience on a real journey with them both.

Ally returns to his girlfriend Liz (Fiona Lane) – Davy’s sister – who, in turn, introduces Davy to her English friend Yvonne (Chloe Anderson). Meanwhile Davy & Liz’s Dad, Rab (Andrew Walton) receives a letter from an ex-girlfriend. To compound matters, Rab’s wife Jean (Laura Judge) discovers the letter in Rab’s wallet during their 30th wedding anniversary celebrations and is naturally distraught at his unfaithfulness.  Whilst making an effort towards reconciliation Rab suffers a heart attack and finds himself in hospital.  Liz - a nurse – visits her Dad on the ward and he makes her promise that she will take up the offer of a job in Florida. Similarly, Davy takes his father’s advice and asks Yvonne if “they want to make things work” even if it means living in England!  The Finale sees everyone happy in his/her own way, Davy & Yvonne, Rab & Liz, Ally re-enlisting in the army and Liz working in Florida.

These were all incredibly strong and brilliant principals who were supported by a superb company which was colourful and full of Scottish character.  Special mention must also go to Tom, Richard & Josh for adding the extra touch with their musical instruments.

From the opening chorus of ‘squaddies’, the broad Scottish accents (and those from Surrey and the South!) never faltered through the entire cast in both lib and song.  This was a brilliantly staged show with outstanding singing from everyone, and a cast which was more “professional” than I have ever seen in any amateur show.  Every single person on stage gave a standout performance from beginning to end.  The audience laughed and cried in equal measures as we followed the helter-skelter ride of emotions through this wonderful storyline of the power of home, family and love.

The orchestra was outstanding (and it was great to see them on stage) and they must have had so much fun playing this score - and in particular the last number, (I’m gonna be) 500 miles, which raised the roof!  The whole audience was up on their feet, and dancing in the aisles!  What an atmosphere!!!

Choreography throughout was slick, stylish, fun and extremely polished!  This is a huge show to choreograph and there was barely a moment where feet, wheels or mops weren’t moving!

The set was brilliant – split level, it turned into a war zone, a home, a hospital, a pub, a department store, a lift/elevator in a department store, a call centre among many other things - and it worked so well with clever scene projection onto the gigantic screen above the upper level.

Lighting was brilliant and sound was superb – every single line of diction could be heard; every single note of song could be heard with such clarity.

Costumes (including army uniforms and kilts), hair (so many wigs!) and makeup were all excellent.

This was theatre at its absolute best.  Congratulations to everyone involved – Royston (Director), Sarah (Choreographer) and Cathy (Musical Director) you must be so very proud of this outstanding production.  To sum it up in one word it was “fab u lous”!

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