Sunshine on Leith

“Sunshine” is a show very much linked to The Proclaimers, the twins who made such an impact on the Pop Charts some years ago, possibly an impact which bypassed many current NODA members of long standing (or sitting, these days).  The insistent 1-2-3-4 beat does not sit comfortably on to those brought up with waltzes as a common theme.  But this presentation worked well with this old die-hard.  As we sat in the auditorium, the menacing presence of the camouflage covered squaddies, grim-faced with weapons at the ready, set the scene well, and somehow the following sequences fell into place better than with other versions I have seen.  Life cannot have been easy for young Scots in Iraq, etc., and this was well portrayed.  The joy at being home in Edinburgh/Leith came across, particularly with the potential of some ‘love interest’ thrown in.  Possibly the accents didn’t quite hit the mark, but accents are always awkward to a non-native.  I am fairly tall, and was pleased that both relationships which developed ( between Ally — Craig Ledgerwood and Liz — Clair Logue also Davy — Ross McKune and Yvonne — Gill McGowan) were not ‘height-matched’ to any extent.  The relationships were well-protrayed and believable, so full marks for that.  The ‘older members’ of the cast (Iain Bell as Rab and Suzy Lowe as Jean) were convincing also in their rôles, with the conflicts thrown up by the plot.  This show concentrates very much on these principal rôles, but this production had lots of movement from a 33-strong ensemble, including Connor Brown as Young Rab  and Catherine Ross as Young Jean.  Lots of well choreographed movement which any Sergeant Major would have been proud of.  Somehow this rather fragmented show seemed to be more coherent, and that has to be due to the direction and choreography.  The musical accompaniment was suitably restrained, a comment made by more than one at the interval, and all the welcome.  Too often the bands are too prominent these days, masking the words.  It is necessary to hear the msic, but it should be an accompaniment, not the main course.  Well done TGAM, giving an excellent rendition of a sometimes difficult show to put across.  Well done the full cast obviously enjoying the story, and portraying it well.

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