Most definitely a crowd pleaser for those of an east coast Scottish persuasion, Sunshine on Leith packs in so much of The Proclaimers’ music, there’s not a lot of space left for story.
📍The King’s Theatre, Edinburgh
📅 TUE 07 JUN TO SAT 18 JUN 2022
🕖 Evenings 7.30pm | Matinees Wed & Sat 2:30pm
🕖 Running time (approx.): 2 hours 30 minutes (incl. interval)
👥 Writer: Stephen Greenhorn
👥 Musical Arranger: David Shrubsole
👥 Directors: Elizabeth Newman & Ben Occhipinti
👥 Songs: The Proclaimers
💰 From £26.50
🎂 13+
🎭 Captioning: Thu 16 June 7.30PM
🎭 Touch Tours: Sat 18 June 1.30PM
🎭 Audio Description & BSL Interpreted: Sat 18 June 2.30PM
Sunshine on Leith was born back in 2007, commissioned by Dundee Rep, and an immediate smash-hit upon opening. A jukebox musical, the show fairly packs in The Proclaimers‘ greatest hits, and begins with homecoming soldiers Ally (Keith Jack) and Davy (Connor Going). Back in civvy-street Edinburgh, the former quickly renews his relationship with Davy‘s sister, and nurse, Liz (Blythe Jandoo), whilst Davy finds himself set-up with Liz’s work colleague Yvonne (Rhiane Drummond). All the while Liz and Davy’s parents, Jean (Alyson Orr) & Rab (Keith Macpherson) are looking forward to their silver wedding anniversary.
There’s no hidden, sub-stage band in this production, rather the ensemble of talented musicians occupy the stage, a ready supply of supporting roles, and instrumental expertise. There’s very much a party vibe to most of the show, not least as the play contrives sequential opportunities to narratively involve the massed band, from Anniversary party, to night at the pub.
The cast are in fine voice, though the stately old King’s Theatre P.A. system once again introduces a sometimes muddy tone which blunts lyrical clarity. The music, though, is certainly rattled off with abundant joy, and no lack of competence to boot. It’s very safe to say that without the Ensemble: Richard Colvin, Anna Fordham, James Hudson, Kit Orton, Richie Spencer, and Jessica Brydges, this wouldn’t be nearly the toe-tapping event theatre it is. David Shrubsole has done a fine job of redeploying The Proclaimers‘ songbook to take full advantage of this cadre of talented performers, under Musical Director, Richard Reeday.
Narratively, Sunshine on Leith tends towards the uncomplicated, and time for our characters to talk with each other is curtailed by the ever-imminent approach of music. Yes, the songs are often used cleverly, highlighting relevant verses over the quick satisfaction of a familiar chorus, but this story of three couples, each dealing with fairly ordinary pressures threatening to pull them apart, is ultimately resolved without much drama.
Not every play needs a twist, of course, but to interest audiences who aren’t Proclaimers fans, a little more is required than the appearance of Rab’s surprise (to him) adult daughter, Eilidh (Meg Chaplin); or at least more than another plotline brought to a tidy resolution. Admittedly, the overall tone is not overly-saccharine, not every couple ending up in fairy tale fashion, but the character arcs are relatively shallow.
It’s locale, Leith in Edinburgh, is certainly given a heavy nod, not least by Adrian Rees‘ elevated, and mobile sky-line of a set. That said, the story isn’t particular to Leith or an indigenous culture, and that should come as little surprise with a show originally created in Dundee.
Nonetheless directors Elizabeth Newman & Ben Occhipinti, have orchestrated a pacey, well-oiled production, and one which centres the audience’s enjoyment, and entertainment at every turn. Further they’ve elicited a clutch of fine performances from the principal cast, from MacPherson’s familiar slightly curmudgeonly, but soft-hearted Rab, to the vocally excellent Drummond’s believably conflicted nurse. It’s unclear that this show could be any better, without making fundamental changes to the script.
Now, there is a significant audience for a straight forward tale, set to this beloved band’s music. Come the finale, there was dancing in the aisles, followed by rousing applause. That said, it’s unclear that there is sufficient substance to Sunshine on Leith to carry it outwith mainland Scotland.
This is a five star show for those who a) love The Proclaimers, and b) are in want of a simple story, enthusiastically told. If that’s not you…it’s still a good show, rich in production qualities, but you might find yourself left sitting when the enthusiasts take to their feet.
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