When I first watched the film Sunshine on Leith, I remembered how amazing and catchy the songs and cast were. I also remember listening only to the Proclaimers for a week straight. Well, tonight I was hit with nostalgia, and have my playlist ready for my way home.
As the musical starts, soldiers march down the aisles, instantly immersing you into the musical. From there on, it is a non-stop of singing and dancing, and Sunshine on Leith’s biggest message is finding your purpose.
With just a chair and some boxes for the entire show, Sunshine on Leith did an impeccable job creating a setting in the beautiful Assembly Ballroom. In the background is “The Dockers” band, which provides wonderful live music throughout the show. Often, a live band for a musical is behind the scenes or under the floor. It is a nice feature to see the band, especially as they phased the music to acoustic, and the violinist gracefully took over the show. The Dockers get a special mention during the show, through some clever dialogue, of which there is much.
Robert or “Rab” (Sandy Queenan), as he prefers to go by, makes the majority of the clever jokes to the audience, some topical like Oasis, others which could upset some patriotic Fifers.
Rab’s better half in the play, Jean (Hazel Beattie), had one of the most important roles of the musical, in my opinion. That is singing Sunshine on Leith. Somehow, this song always gives me goosebumps, and in this production, it was no different. I was touched by Hazel Beattie’s rendition.
Sunshine on Leith provides the Fringe with what it needs: some classic, energetic Scottish theatre, and what music is better to do that with than the Proclaimers.
Sunshine on Leith 17.30, Assembly Rooms, until August 24.
