Sunshine on Leith

No need, I feel, to précis the story. I cannot believe that anyone out there is not already familiar with it!

Ally, (Billy Naismith) and Davy (Nick Tobias) gave very strong and convincing performances both in singing and acting, as the two friends trying to fit back into their old life and, in Ally’s case rekindling of a romance, following their return home after a spell in the army.

Further excellent performances were given by Ellen Caiger as Liz - Ally’s returning girlfriend and Davy’s sister - and Sophie Penman as Yvonne, Liz’s English friend.  Both Ellen and Sophie were first class in their roles, complementing that of their male counterparts, forming well matched and believable couples.

One more couple to mention, that being Davy’s Mum & Dad.  Mum, Jean (Kenna Orkney) and Dad, Rab (Clark Graham)  were nothing short of outstanding, both of whom brought confident realism to the part. This came to the fore when Jean discovers a letter written to Rab and Davy from Eilidh (Megan Smith), a daughter from an earlier relationship The cracks evolving in all three couples relationships were torn to the limits when realisation strikes that  Rab had fathered the aforementioned daughter.

Megan gave a light confident performance as Eilidh, offering pleasant relief from the hospital scene, ultimately arriving to push Rab out of the ward in his wheelchair – the start of a happy ending for all!

The KAOS Ensemble worked extremely well from the very start, being on stage from the time the house opened as squaddies, via townsfolk of Leith, to cleaners in the Parliament, where they entered via the auditorium doors brushing and dusting as they went. At this point I should mention the lady cleaner who decided to polish my NODA badges as she descended through the auditorium. Unfortunately, my badges managed to become entangled with threads from her tabard, delaying her exit on to the stage for a few more seconds!  No name mentioned – you know who you are!

The set comprised two scaffold towers which were moved into various arrangements with wooden boxes added to symbolise tables etc, together with other small props/set pieces. I have to say that at times defining the exact location of a scene was a little tricky without reference to the programme. Nevertheless, in general the sets worked well.  

The orchestra under MD Alan Gibson were situated right upstage, but a good balance was achieved between singing and orchestra. Unfortunately no credit was given in the programme to the sound operator – but well done anyway!

Appropriate lighting by Kieran Hotchkiss made for a fine production with a rousing Finale of 500 miles, for which I am sure many of the audience could not wait to get up on their feet!

Well done KAOS! Another exemplary production.

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