UK Theatre Network

There is a danger associated with putting a particular show on a pedestal.  18 months ago I proclaimed that the first Scottish tour of “Sunshine on Leith” was the best musical I had ever seen (and I have seen a LOT of musicals).  Surely it wasn’t that good?  So, with emotions firmly in check, I switched on to Critical Mode and tried to find some flaws.  Second time around, it is even better!

With side-splitting Scottish humour married with true to life family drama and down to earth realism, “Sunshine on Leith” ticks every possible box.  I found myself laughing uncontrollably one minute and “greetin” the next!  From the soulful opening “Sky Takes the Soul” straight into the joyful “I’m on My Way” I was hooked again, finding myself grinning from ear to ear as I enjoyed this triumphant intelligent musical comedy drama … and it was Scottish.!!

The story follows Ally and Davy as they return from a 6 month tour of duty in Afghanistan and they pick up the pieces of their lives.  Ally is the long term boyfriend of Davy’s sister, Liz.  Liz introduces her bother to her nursing colleague, Yvonne, who is funny, bright, beautiful … but English!  Both couples are welcomed under the roof of mum and dad (Jean and Rab) who celebrate 30 years of marriage.

Part of the genius of this show is the way that the 3 separate love stories are interwoven with a 21 song back catalogue from The Proclaimers.  The songs are not a simple headline grabbing add-on.  They each earn their place and advance the story so seamlessly that it is difficult to comprehend that they were not written for this purpose.  “Throw the ‘R’ Away” celebrates the Scottish accent as the boys take a job in a call centre, “What Do You Do?” asks how Nurses should cope with the decline of the NHS, “Let’s Get Married” is an hilarious marriage proposal spoof situated in a Hibs supporters’ bar, “Sunshine on Leith” is a tear jerking lament as a family member lies in a hospital bed … the list goes on and on.  The current tour even incorporates the Proclaimers’ latest hit “Life With You”.  The drama is woven through with side splitting Scottish patter and down to earth characters that will speak any audience’s language.  Playwright and TV writer, Stephen Greenhorn, has turned alchemist with this theatre gold.

The cast consisted of sixteen multitalented performers with the six principals ably supported by a character ensemble who each shone brightly in the limelight.  Performances were superb throughout with outstanding contributions from principals John Buick as Rab, Anne Louise Ross as Jean, Gail Watson as Liz, Denise Hoey as Yvonne and Kevin Lennon and Keith Fleming as Ally and Davy.

This tour travels 383 miles to Coventry’s Belgrade Theatre from 24-28 February.  How long before it goes the full 500 miles to London’s West End??

King’s Theatre, Glasgow

Tues 10 – Sat 21 February       Evenings at 7.30 p.m.

Wed 11, Sat 14, Wed 18 & Sat 21 at 2.30 p.m.

Box Office: 0870 060 6648 (bkg. fee) www.ambassadortickets.com/glasgow

Tickets: £11 - £27