Sunshine on Leith

It was a pleasure to be invited to review Blackburn Musical Theatre Company’s production of Sunshine On Leith. Having never seen this show before, (and being young enough to remember The Proclaimers the first time around) I was intrigued. BMTC produced a fantastic show, which had the audience stand in ovation as the curtain fell. The story follows two Scottish soldiers, Davy and Ally, as they return from Afghanistan to their hometown of Leith. Once home they have trouble adjusting to life as they try to navigate work, falling in love and the changes around them. A secondary plot revealing an old infidelity threatens the 30th wedding anniversary of Davy’s parents Jean and Rab.

Directors, Tony Fry and Gary H Worthy created a show that wowed the audience from the onset. The opening scene began with a guitar solo that built in volume until Davy and Ally began the song ‘Sky Takes the Soul’ the harmonies were fabulous and as the male chorus joined in the tension heightened. It was loud and chaotic as we were instantly transported to an Afghan war zone. The lights and sounds of battle frenzied as shots fired rapidly throughout the theatre. I thought this was superb, starting the show off with, if you will excuse the pun, a bang. The casting was impressive, each actor displaying serious vocal abilities and top-notch Scottish accents. The company were animated and bright, they looked to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. This was a vibrant, feel good, show that had poignant moments within. It was a show about family, about what it means to love, to dream and to realise what you want from life. I’m not ashamed to say I welled up a little as Ally and Liz parted ways. When a show can evoke such emotions one minute then make you laugh the next, the directors should be, rightly so, proud of their production. The audience appreciated every moment.

Musical Director, Nick Sanders had honed the company into a well-oiled vocal team. There were many cleverly written songs, with a multitude of vocal performances all happening at once. They were exceptional, the harmonies and interlacing of voices were, at points, breathtaking.  Nick brought the best out of each singer on the stage. His orchestra complimented the vocals perfectly. I thought the timing throughout was excellent. Music isn’t only there to sing along to, it creates atmosphere, it stirs emotion. The music performed by Nick and his orchestra in this production was, astonishingly good.

Not only did the company have to sing complex vocals, all with Scottish accents, they had to dance. Choreographer Katie Fry provided lively, vibrant dance routines; the company moved in unison with smiles on their faces. Naturally,’ 500 Miles’ stands out as it was performed a second time for the audience to sing along to, at the close of show.  It was joyous to watch, every performer gave it their all and the coordination on stage was superb. Katie and the company worked hard, and the results were fabulous.

The set, designed by David Walton, worked well. Flats were decorated as brickwork and easily blended into every scene, with a small rise to back of the stage. The war zone at the opening of the show looked great, beams crisscrossed representing broken, bombed out buildings. I thought the truck representing Jean and Rab’s kitchen, the heart of their home, was terrific. Intricate details such as the Mother’s Pride, Scottish Plain loaf on the counter caught my eye. I do like attention detail, kudos to the props team; Jonathan Mallinson, Pauline Nuttall and Fleurlilly Bramley. Costumes were in keeping with era, overseen by the wardrobe team: Joan Simpson, Dawn Rowe, and Sue Worthy.

With Stage Manager, Kris Connell at the helm, scene changes were smooth, the cast and crew working together unobtrusively during the blackouts. Projections were used for certain scenes; these were timed to perfection.  I particularly liked the hillside overlooking Leith with the actors sat right at the back of the stage. Lighting, operated by Paddy Keane, was sympathetic to the scenes played out. In charge of Sound Design/ operation was John Ormerod. Sound was clear, there was no feedback or open mic interference. Putting on a show needs collaborative effort and the technical team really did pull together to create great effects throughout.

Playing the role of Davy was Alex Laing. Davy returned from Afghanistan to his family home in Leith. Amidst family drama and trying to find work Davy met and fell for Yvonne. Alex was excellent, his characterisation assured and his vocals strong. His accent sounded authentic, he was animated and had good chemistry with his leading lady. A marvellous performance all round.

Jack Herbert played Ally. Best friend to Davy, dating Davy’s sister Liz, Ally struggled to fit in back home. When he proposed to Liz, she declined, which sent him back to Afghanistan. Jack was great in this role; his Scottish accent was impressive. Vocally he was fantastic, with a strong stage presence. He put a lot of emotion into his characterisation solidifying his performance.

Julie Laing was wonderful as Jean. The backbone of the family, mother to Davy and Liz, married to Rab. Jean finds out, on their 30th wedding anniversary, that Rab had an affair, and her world is sent spiralling. Julie was a powerhouse of sound and energy. Her solo ‘Sunshine On Leith,’ was emotional, powerful, and heartbreaking. Throughout the show her accent was perfect. A standout performance from Julie.

Rab was played by Richard Hubbard. Rab was a strong character, but when his past life resurfaced and Jean walked away, he suffered a heart attack. Richard was wonderful in this role: his accent strong, he gave his character depth. The audience felt for him and his situation. His song ‘Oh Jean was comical, his vocals clear.

Natalie Walton played Liz. Sister to Davy, daughter of Jean and Rab. Liz was an independent woman. A nurse who dreamed of a better life. Her relationship with her boyfriend Ally becoming increasingly strained, as she wanted to see the world and he wanted to settle. Natalie was notable in this role, displaying an array of emotions throughout. She was energetic and bold, her vocals marvellous.

Playing the role of Liz’s best friend, Yvonne, was Jennifer Whiteside. A fellow nurse from England, Yvonne falls in love with Davy. Jennifer was great in this role. She had a strong stage presence and melodic vocals. Her harmonies were clear and beautifully sung.

Katie Fry played Eilidh. Rab’s daughter from an old affair. Eilidh sought Rab out after the death of her mother. Katie was marvellous, her London accent impressive. She gave a compassionate, well thought out performance.

There were also featured cast hiding within the ensemble: Becca Allanson, was impressive as the singer at the anniversary party. Mark Blackman sounded lovely as the Busker, in a couple of scenes. Anna Cryer gave an impressive performance as Hazel, ‘Should Have Been Loved’ was strong and funny. Lisa-Marie Hunt was hilarious as the Instructor in the call centre scene, and Kris Wlodarczyk, was humorous as the barman.

There was a multitude of talent in this show. I thought every single person excelled themselves, it really was a collaborative effort from the whole BMTC society. If I could mention you all personally I would.

Thank you for a lovely evening, special thanks to Gary H Worthy for looking after me and my partner all evening.  I look forward to being invited to many more productions.

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