Sunshine on Leith

In opening, the attention of the audience was immediately captured by British Army servicemen marking time and building on a basic rhythmic beat on the containers they were seated on as they prepared to leave their assignment in Afghanistan to return home.  Matthew Coulter and Brian Shallow dominated the stage with flawless performances as soldiers Dave and Ally following their return to Leith whilst balancing the affects of war and looking ahead at their personal love interests with Liz (Davy’s sister) and Yvonne, ably played by Angela Turnbull and Angela Ball, who supported them through their immediate ups and downs.  Jim McGhee and Ann Marie Totten brought the required level of maturity to their roles as Dave’s parents Rab and Jean Henshaw as they reflected on family values and worked through Rab’s infidelity.  All musical numbers were delivered with drive and enthusiasm and in the number 500 miles, we were joined by a piper reminding us Edinburgh was close by!  Choreography was slick with everyone on stage moving in the right direction at the same time.  Scenery was creatively constructed with the skyline of Edinburgh Castle and the Forth Railway Bridge featured above the rooftops of Leith with the lower sections opening out to reveal a living room and an impressive well-stocked bar!  In considering the many scene changes, the transitions were carried out seamlessly.  Celebrating the group’s 65th anniversary, this production attracted a large cast with six ‘house-full’ performances bringing audiences to their feet.

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