Sunshine on Leith

This Scottish musical Sunshine on Leith was staged by Blackwood Little Theatre to be their very first musical in their history. Formally drama featured in their productions.

It proved to be full of emotion and human storylines and a great challenge for their cast which they met with expertise, total dedication and hard work.

Following the path of two soldiers Davy, Tim Lewis and Ally, Jamie Price home from overseas, back to Leith, Edinburgh their hometown, trying to pick up the pieces and live life after the army and as it was before they left.

We follow them on their journey to a kind of normality, and hope, yet soon both encounter difficulties with their relationships. Davy a strong performance by Tim Lewis with Yvonne played with conviction by Anya O’ Callaghan making a great duo, Anya’s crystal clear vocals perfect for these emotional songs and her under stated acting of this character excelled . Ally played very well by Jamie Price who was looking for a home loving girl and Charly Flynn-Giles a feisty, spirited performance as Liz proved to be only ready for the world of travel out there.

The fabulous music of the Proclaimers is a strong backing to this musical, played by the skilful band led by Sara Chewins, the title song Sunshine on Leith being the unofficial anthem of Hibernian Football Club the Proclaimers favourite football team.

One of the powerful parts of this musical is the scene with Bryn Middleton playing Rab, father of Liz, played so well by Charly Flynn-Giles and Ceri Middleton playing Jean the trusting wife, soon to find the shocking truth of a Daughter from an affair in Rab’s past. This was a moving scene as they were just celebrating their 30th Wedding Anniversary. An exceptional performance full of emotion from Ceri Middleton as the wife, and great acting support from Bryn Middleton, the Husband.

Some very touching scenes of the relationship breakdowns of Davy and Yvonne and Ally and Liz brought the theatre alive. Jade King enhanced scenes with her performance as Eilidh and Busker.

The ensemble were an exceptional backing to this musical, each character bringing atmosphere and believable crowd scenes throughout, with excellent choreography from Charly Flynn-Giles and Sian King and in the moving finale. With an effective set, technical, lighting, sound and seamless Set moves, this show was also very well cast and was a very successful team show, thanks go to Director Janine O’ Callaghan and production team and all the cast and those involved.

.Thank you for your warm welcome and hospitality, every success for your future productions BLT.

 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

© NODA CIO. All rights reserved.