Sunshine on Leith

This was a great show for the company’s centenary year. The Proclaimers’ music resonated. From the atmospheric opening of the soldiers at war, to their homecoming and trying to settle into civilian life, the build up of a proposal of marriage and the revelation at the wedding anniversary celebrations which set the tone for the second act, there was plenty of drama for the cast to get their teeth into – and they did. The main character squaddies John Coe as Davy and Andrew Gibson as Ally, set out the unpredictability of war and their optimism for the future in Sky Takes my Soul and I’m On the Way while also bringing out the humour in the splendid training scene. But in their pursuit of happiness, each relationship broke down and mirrored each in their poignancy. Davy finds renewal in his relationship with Yvonne the nurse played by Claire Coyne who also reveals her own insecurities. Their duet Misty Blue delighted. At the same time, Ally faced, and showed, disappointment in his relationship with Liz. Jennifer Kay Brisbane nicely displayed Liz’s independent, adventurous side. Meanwhile Davy’s Father, Rab received a letter revealing that he had another daughter and this was found by his wife Jean. Stewart Borthwick imbued Rab with a likeability, an understated humour, a worldliness and a love for which was all the more powerful and poignant as he struggled to do what was right. Oh Jean was a public affirmation of his love for her. Then his hospital scenes were excellent. As Jean, Michelle Weston caught the hurt, anger and sense of betrayal. Using her voice as much as the words, her feelings were palpable as she sang Hate My Love for You and the title song Sunshine on Leith. The chorus moved assuredly and their singing was uplifting. The scenery set recognisable and well painted scenes for war, Edinburgh and the hospital and were in the main easily manoeuvred while costumes contributed to confirming the era. Everyone looked as if they were enjoying themselves.. And of course the rousing 500 Miles rounded off the show. Congratulations on a job well done.

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