Sunshine on Leith (Assembly Rooms Music Hall) is absolutely TERRIFIC! Captivate Theatre ‘features an ensemble cast of over 250 local Scottish youth, student, and adult performers’ and instituted an Academy two years ago to provide a space to inspire and encourage new young talent. If tonight’s show was anything to go by, they’re doing that in bucketfuls.
The stage was set right from the start: virtually no props, except a chair, placed strategically in front of the band, who were on stage throughout, providing all the musical accompaniment. Just as well the stage was sparsely set, to allow all the performers space. There were over a couple of dozen of them and they were fabulous, one and all.
You might think Sunshine on Leith might have had its day. It’s been on the go since The Proclaimers released their single in 1988, premiered at Dundee Rep in 2007 as a stage musical and was made into a film in 2013. Love or hate The Proclaimers, you really should love them, they really are musical icons, with a much more punk background than you might imagine. I defy you not to be uplifted, moved to tears and feel all the emotions in between if you’re lucky enough to get a ticket for this rendition.
The production is fresh, vibrant and despite a few jazz-hands and slightly forced grins, the company is full of talented, enthusiastic people, all of whom get a chance to shine. The show was stolen for me by Hazel Beattie. She’s absolutely fabulous and utterly believable. On top of that she has the voice of an angel, with range and power and nuance and, well, just about everything you could ever ask for. Her acting is none too shabby either and I think we all recognise THAT mother! But that’s not to downplay the rest of the principals, who also acted convincingly, sang beautifully and had us in the palm of their hands throughout. And yes, of course the band were just right too.
This really is an ensemble piece, only as good as its weakest link and boy, whoever that was is phenomenal too. Everyone was at the top of their game.
I’d go back and see it again and again and again. And I’m still singing the songs. Out loud. Sorry: not sorry, because yes, Sunshine on Leith made my heart sing.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
