The Stage

Sunshine On Leith

Published Thursday 9 September 2010 at 12:06 by Peter Cargill

For the third time of asking, Dundee Rep’s phenomenal musical based on the Proclaimers’ music is about to hit the road - and this could be the best one yet.

It has blasted back on to the Dundee stage, where the run is already almost sold out, with the same production team in place.

It’s an all-change cast this time round with Billy Boyd, away from the big screen, making his mark right away as Davy, showing an appetite for all aspects required for this role, including a strong voice and terrific movement. He is not alone, as director James Brining and choreographer Lizzi Gee have honed their team to perfection - it’s slicker than any oil spill.

Michael Moreland is equally strong as Ally, Davy’s pal and fellow squaddie, with their put upon girlfriends Yvonne and Liz brought to life by Zoe Rainey and Jo Freer.

The Reid twins’ numbers are raucous and the nine-strong band under Hilary Brooks give full vent - subtlety does not spring to mind!

Designer Neil Warmington’s settings for the many scenes are so smoothly changed there is hardly time to take breath. This isn’t scene shifting - it is choreography.

Two Dundee ensemble members remain - from the original - John Buick and Ann Louise Ross as Davy’s mum and dad. Unfortunately, Ms Ross is indisposed (she hopes to return for the tour), but Anne Smith steps into the role as if to the manor born.

This would not be out of place in the West End, although its Scottishness may require sub-titles.

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