Sunshine on Leith

This is my first show visit to this company and what a wonderful experience it was. Performing on a small stage area, the cast demonstrated that that was all that was small. Sound, voices and confident characterisation gave this production a clarity and integrity which explored the unpredictability of life whether under fire in war or in comfortable routine at home. The story line is well known: of two soldiers returning from war and hoping to fit in; and of family life disrupted by the unexpected arrival of an unknown daughter. In his role as soldier Davy, Scott Sutherland was a real presence with powerful voice who struggled with speaking to his father, with training to be a business phone responder - and showing a lovely touch in comedic delivery- and with understanding his relationship with his new found love. Allan Walker presented the less confident character of Ally whose hopes were trained on his relationship with Liz. His leaning on his mates’ advice on how to propose led to a precipitate proposal that was bound to fail. His disappointment was well handled. Their hopes were joyously portrayed in I’m On My Way. Family life was finely interpreted by Helen Webster as Jean and Doug Fleming as Rab. Their easy relationship with Rab’s understated humour and Jean’s tolerance of his foibles was pinned by their obvious love for one another and made plain in Oh Jean. The unexpected arrival in their midst of Rab’s unknown daughter disrupted their relationship but Rab’s integrity and Jean’s love transcended this. Jean’s heartache was clearly articulated in song and expression especially in an angry Hate My Love and a heartfelt Sunshine on Leith. Once near tragedy struck, we could see both growing in their roles and they delivered a believable relationship. As their daughter Liz, Karen Power captured wanderlust, and a restlessness brought to the surface by the sprung proposal. Meanwhile Jennifer Murray- Smith exemplified the compassionate nurse on the outside while revealing insecurity on the inside by demanding reassurances from Davy which he struggled to understand. Isla Twaddle as Eilidh the unexpected daughter, brought dignity to the role. With pathos and comedy, passion and common sense, this was a heart tugging production and everyone in the cast contributed. The singing of the Proclaimers’ songs resonated and were fed by four musicians who supported the cast, got the rhythms going and were augmented on occasion by talented guitarist /busker Duncan McCrone. The backdrop of the Edinburgh skyline and its lighting made Leith ever present. The stage extension brought the audience in to the action and the use of boxes on casters with props to indicate change of scenes was well orchestrated. This was a meticulously planned production. Congratulations to all on a wonderfully satisfying and entertaining show.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.