Sunshine on Leith hailed a great success

The National Operatic and Dramatic Association saw the production this week and branded it a huge success

Settle Musical Theatre Company returned to the stage this week with their production of ‘The Proclaimers’ Musical’, Sunshine on Leith. Directed by Paula Griffiths, Sunshine on Leith tells the story of best pals, Ally and Davy, who upon returning from their tour of Afghanistan, attempt to find love and forge relationships in the Scottish town of Leith. In the backdrop of this, Davy’s parents are celebrating their thirty-year anniversary and dealing with an issue of their own.

the report hails it a great success: The storytelling was excellent throughout from all and the plot was abundantly clear. This is a piece of (musical) theatre with a lot of heart and soul and this production had heart and soul in abundance. Well done to Paula Griffiths for her efforts to keep the storyline and the characters at the forefront.

Visually, this piece was very good. Projections that were designed and used worked a treat and provided a great backdrop to each scene. Scene changes were quick which kept the pace of the show going.

There were some nice directorial decisions with the projections and staging for the opening scene, as well as the company scenes which were highly entertaining! The acting from the ensemble in the whole company scenes were great, particularly the bar scenes! The stage is not the biggest, but the staging of the production was done well.

The musical director for this production was Steven Lawson who had clearly done a great job in rehearsals with the cast and also ensured that there was a good balance between band and cast on stage in performance.

The sound and lighting were good, especially the sound department (Alec Lyon). The set alongside projection worked really well.

The principal line up was well cast and it was nice to see new faces having the opportunity to take on new and challenging roles.

Davy (Jonathan Cunningham), and Ally (Paul Clayton), were brilliantly cast and thoroughly entertaining and well done for their storytelling. Both also had great voices. ‘When I Met You and ‘Sky Takes the Soul’ were excellent and particular favourites!

Kimberley Mai was also well cast as Liz as was Amy Lawson who played Yvonne. Both were strong performers and worked well opposite their on stage love interests.

The roles of the parents Jean and Rab played by Catherine Packard and Ian Woodrow also stood out especially in Act 2 The majority of the casts accents were excellent, as was their characterisations and comic timing! Catherine’s vocals were brilliant, but it was her acting through song which totally enthralled me. Her version of ‘Sunshine on Leith’ was really well performed and another highlight of the show for me.

The supporting cast were great and brought a fresh feel to the heavier scenes and once again Paula did a great job in staging such a large cast. The company had many varied roles to fill and performed with vigour throughout.

A great report on an excellent production.  Congratulations to all on a great show.

https://www.noda.org.uk/show.../sunshine-on-leith-1730109696