Sunshine on Leith

This musical was first staged in 2007 and consequently made into a film in 2013. It won the TMA award for best musical and is a ‘showcase’ for The Proclaimers songs. It has a really gritty story line involving the lives and loves of the two young soldiers returning from Afghanistan. The opening scene of the soldiers wearing camouflage uniform on the battlefield was very dramatic and the noise of gunshot and bombing added to the tension on stage.

The Proclaimer’s songs, only a couple of which I already knew, backed the story emerging on stage. Because they are so repetitive and catchy, after a couple of verses they too seemed familiar. The Folk-rock music isn’t to everyone’s taste, (that’s what makes the world go around!), but I really enjoyed it, and the production, and the house was full of people who clearly enjoyed it too.  I’m sure we were all awaiting ‘500 Miles’ which turned out to be the final number. It was worth waiting for – starting slowly and gently before building up into a rousing rendition - with audience participation!

The set was once again designed and constructed in house and it really was excellent – even to the lighted windows in the houses at night time! Underneath the walkway was the well-equipped bar and other areas used as hospital, kitchen etc were achieved by the appropriate furniture and lighting.

Alexander Boyall and his band positioned onstage worked well and the volume was not too loud. The vocal ability of the cast was high and once again you managed to put on a well-balanced show with only seven men on stage! I enjoyed all of the musical numbers, the best of which I felt was the trio by Rab, Davy and Ally, ‘Life With You’.

Both Jean Herbst and Jesse Vardy played their respective characters of Davy and Ally brilliantly. Their acting, singing and accents were all commendable.

Lucy Morris gave a first class performance as Liz as did Kelly Brewer in the role of Yvonne.

Mark was good as Rab Henshaw and the relationship between him and his wife Jean was utterly convincing. 

Emma made a matchless Jean Henshaw in every respect. The scene between her and Mark when she discovered his infidelity was so powerful and superbly acted by both of them. Her loving gentleness later when she accepts his daughter was beautifully portrayed.

As his daughter Ellidh, Ellen Da Costa made a very successful debut in her first principal role.

The many remaining named characters were presented soundly by the cast. Their input, and support of the principals was praiseworthy.

Choreography was good and cleverly imaginative in the football scene.

There was a lot of work for the back stage crew with the numerous changes of scene and they achieved these quickly and efficiently.

Lighting and sound were well plotted and operated and the properties and furniture were appropriate for the individual settingsSpecial uniforms were excellent and the regular costumes good too.

The Call Centre training was fun, the spotlit hospital bed was dramatic – I liked the presence of the chorus on stage dressed in black for that number – the scene with the couples’ alternating conversations was very good and the buskers set the scene for the audience as we entered the auditorium. They both looked the part but it wasn’t always easy to hear Georgina - possibly a mike problem?.

Your programme is nicely presented with the details of the production on the middle pages and the red print shows up well in the cast biographies. It’s a joy to read so many credits in the programme and some names appear more than once in the numerous production credits. The society is clearly thriving and the choice of shows staged has been instrumental to that end.

Co-Directors Heather Bokota and Ellen McDermott delivered a splendid, well thought out show and it made for a wonderful evening’s entertainment.

Many congratulations to the whole company on staging ‘Sunshine on Leith’ which weaves together story, emotions and connections with the music of The Proclaimers. They brought the lives, spirit and struggles of ordinary people to life on stage.

Thanks to Martine for her hospitality and for adding that extra touch, as she always does.

It was a splendid evening and I enjoyed seeing friends old and new in the interval.

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