Sunshine on Leith

Report

Author: Roger D. Buist

Viewing this same show for the fourth time in as many months, I can truthfully say I have now “walked” 2,000 miles! And, as before with the other three shows, this production was a complete sell out in Dundee’s Whitehall Theatre – which was great news for this amateur society and the others that have gone before! Everyone knows the story by now, and heading a very strong cast, and turning in a storming performance, was Thomas Richmond as Davy, who was absolutely perfect for this role which requires both music and dramatic abilities. Aiding and abetting him as the other likely lad – his soldier companion returning from the war in Afghanistan – was a competent Raymond Wood. Both guys had a great sense for their comedy moments and worked well together. As their girl friends – step forward Rachel Hogg, who turned out to be a flame-haired and strong willed person who knew what she wanted out of life and how to achieve it; and Fiona McRobbie (Yvonne) – whose perfectly cultured English accent stood out among the Scottish (Dundee!) accents, but playing her role to perfection! This principal quartet was star material throughout the performance.  Lorraine Kidd was just the right person to handle the difficult role of Jean with its dramatic and intense moments whilst playing against Graeme Hamilton as her husband, Rab, whose past life was to have such an effect on their 30 year marriage. He had a great understanding of his character and was outstanding in his role as Rab, and was especially funny as his drunken self whilst singing his number “Oh Jean” – great fun. The small, but important roles of Young Rab and Margaret, were touchingly brought to the stage by Keiran Bole and Ellen Ryder. With previous seen shows, this one did not rely on back projection of the various scenes, but had scenery which flitted effortlessly and slickly from one scene to the other and added a new dimension to the production. The chorus ensemble was in fine voice and tunefully belted out the famous Proclaimers’ songs. And, when it came, “500 Miles” – it did not disappoint, with the entire company bursting out on stage and into the audience, dressed in bright yellow T-shirts and all wearing identical tartan kilts, accompanied by bagpipe player Ciar Milne, made for a real stomping, throbbing Finale, with all the audience on their feet at the same time. A magical theatre moment!