Sunshine on Leith

This, in my opinion, is one of the better ‘Juke box ‘Musicals. It has a good storyline.

It centres around two friends, who leave the army and try to settle back to civilian life in Edinburgh. It also shows the complications of readjusting to family life and relationships, from trying to get a job in the call centre to blind dates and new complicated relationships.

The opening scene, where the soldiers are in Afghanistan, was very well done with atmospheric lighting, smoke and appropriate background sounds a great opening scene.

Ally, (Ben Middleton) and Davy (Peter Routley) gave very strong and convincing performances as the two friends trying to fit back into their old life and, in Ally’s case rekindling of a romance.

Liz (Sarah Fradd) girlfriend of Ally and Katie Routley (Yvonne, the blind date) both showed us the uncertainty they both felt for the future. Both gave good and sensitive performances, and we thought their futures with Ally and Davy were secured, but was it?

Rab (Mike Bobbett) and Jean (Dianne Ebo) played the parents of Davy, and the audience thought they made a lovely couple, but all was not what it seemed. The arrival of Eilidh (Ana Gilmore) a long-lost daughter caused a stir, and our happy family was thrown into chaos.

The next few scenes proved what good actors ALL the principles were, they were very well cast and they dealt with betrayal illness, romantic uncertainty and in Ally’s case, the loss of a girlfriend he hoped to marry to a new job in America. You should all be very proud of yourselves.

One of the standout performances for me was Dianne Ebo as Jean. She gave every emotion required, and the ‘Sunshine on Leith’ number in the hospital brought a tear to many an eye.

The Ensemble worked very hard, some playing more than one part but their energy and enthusiasm never fell, they obviously enjoyed this production.

The choral work was very good, but I expected nothing less with Martyn Jones and Ellen Routley at the helm.

The accents were constant throughout, not an easy thing to achieve. Well done

The choreography was very good and catered for every ability. Not an easy task.

There were quite a few scene changes, and they were quickly and efficiently executed.

All in all a show you should be very proud of, I certainly enjoyed it.

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