Dundee Rep Ensemble return to Glasgow for the third time with the smash hit Scottish musical, Sunshine on Leith

Having seen this show in it’s original incarnation, I had fond memories and was slightly worried that I was now viewing my memory of the show through rose-tinted spectacles. However my fears were quickly laid to rest from the powerful opening number. This show had retained all it’s charm, heart and wit, and with a few changes in the prinicipal line-up there seemed to be a very fresh feel about this current production.

For those who haven’t seen it, Sunshine on Leith follows Ally and Davy on their return from the Army to their lives in Leith. Ally dates Davy’s sister Liz, a nurse, who sets her brother up on a date with her (English) colleague, Yvonne. These two love stories are joined by that of Liz and Davy’s parents, Jean and Rab who are due to celebrate 30 years of marriage. Unlike many jukebox musicals, there is a strong script from Stephen Greenhorn which is typical of his credentials – heartfelt and convincing dialogue along with dramatic misfortunes and timing of a soap opera. However the songs are no afterthought. Using the back catalogue of The Proclaimers, the songs are expertly placed and arranged to fit the story dramatically and musically. From the comedy of marriage proposal advice in a Hibs supporters bar, to the heartbreaking pared back version of Sunshine on Leith the music covers all emotions and, thanks to the work of Hilary Brooks, is expertly handled by the musicians and the cast.

And what a cast – with so much stunt casting in touring productions these days, the sight of Lord Of The Rings actor Billy Boyd’s name attached to this musical did cause a little chill in me before entering the theatre. However he proved to have an excellent voice which blended beautifully in his duets with West End favourite Zoe Rainey, joining the cast from her recent stint as beauty queen Amber Von Tussle in Hairspray. Ann Louise Ross reprises her role as matriarch Jean, and was still as exciting in the role as her first performance, with comic timing sharp enough to cut through steel.

With the exception of Our House or Buddy , there are very few “jukebox musicals” that can make a decent emotional impact on the audience, however Sunshine on Leith trumps them all. With a great script littered with humour, pathos, politics and love and with a soundtrack of music that can both bring an audience to tears or to their feet this show has it all. Tickets have sold out on both previous tours, and I see no reason why this won’t be the case again this time. This is one show I’d definitely be happy to walk (well ok, maybe take the car) 500 miles to see!

Performances:

Tue 28 Sep:    7.30pm

Wed 29 Sep:   2.30pm & 7.30pm

Thu 30 Sep:    7.30pm

Fri 1 Oct:         5.30pm & 8.30pm

Sat 2 Oct:        2.30pm, 7.30pm

Tickets: £11-£28

Box Office: 08448 717 648(bkg fee)
web: www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow