Follow the highs and lows of Ally and his friend Davy as they return home to Leith from the army. Families, friendships and life are not plain sailing in this funny and moving story about love and life. Written By Stephen Greenhorn and stunning songs from The Proclaimers like I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), Sunshine on Leith, Letter From America, and I’m On My Way, this energetic piece of musical theatre is loved by audiences and critics alike.
By the time I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) comes on, resistance is futile.
I was underwhelmed, but the production...had the audience on its feet.
Retains the heart of the original 2007 musical while bringing it right up to date.
Sunshine on Leith is a thing of joy and heartbreak that’s very much about now.
Uneven vocal performances and clumsy scene changes stunt Greenhorn’s Leith love affair.
The politics may be a little brazen (and inconsistent – a character leaving the NHS citing growing privatisation is enticed by the prospect of a job in Miami, aka private healthcare central) but it’s hard to resist the feel-good strains of a story that shuns traditionally glamorous settings and characters for something more recognisable to those who live in the real world.
All of this is delivered with unforgettable flair by Brining’s 18-strong company and a six-piece band, albeit on a surprisingly hefty touring set modelled on the function room at Leith Dockers’ Club.
An infectious, joyful and heartfelt production with a talented, enthusiastic cast who radiate energy and stamp the hits of the Proclaimers on the lips and in the hearts of the audience far beyond the point at which the production is, unfortunately, over and done with.
Sunshine On Leith is a positive and joyful way to spend an evening.
To borrow from The Proclaimers themselves, this is guaranteed to make your heart fly.
King's Theatre, Edinburgh from Tuesday May 22, 2018, until Saturday May 26, 2018. More info: http://www.edtheatres.com/kings
King's Theatre, Glasgow from Monday June 18, 2018, until Saturday June 23, 2018. More info: www.theambassadors.com/kings/
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