Sunshine on Leith
★★★★☆ Well-rounded
Assembly Rooms (Venue 20): Thu 6 – Sun 30 Aug 2026
Review by Flora Henderson.
Playing in the impressive Music Hall at Assembly Rooms throughout the Fringe, Sunshine on Leith by Captivate Theatre is a well-polished display of local talent.
The show, using the music of the Proclaimers, tells the story of best pals, Ally and Davy returning home to Leith after a stint in the army. They try to settle back into civilian life, with Ally starting to think about the future with his girlfriend Liz – Davy’s sister – while Davy begins a relationship with English nurse Yvonne. As well as exploring young love, the musical highlights the highs and lows of marriage through the story of Davy’s parents Rab and Jean.
A scene from Captivate’s Sunshine on Leith. Pic: Malik Tajumul.
The principal cast are all equally strong, demonstrating impressive skill as actors, singers and movers, and there is a natural chemistry present in all the relationships.
The laddish banter rings true between Christopher McElwee’s Ally and Robbie Small’s Davy (depping for Bailey Easton and Scott Binnie on the night Æ was in), and there is a natural chemistry between both couples, with April Beattie as Liz and Dannielle Logan as Yvonne (depping for Emma Clarkson and Sophie Gee)
Sandy Queenan as Rab and Hazel Beattie as Jean show a strong connection of the kind that could have been built over thirty years of companionship. While Hazel Beattie and April Beattie have a believable mother-daughter bond, rendering the family scenes authentic.
character is at the heart
When singing, the actors do not compromise on storytelling, remaining embodied in their roles. They each demonstrate solid vocals, with McElwee, Small, and April Beattie’s being particularly outstanding. They avoid the trap of simply showing off their musical talent, character is at the heart of everything they do, making the piece engaging and relatable.
Hazel Beattie and Sandy Queenan. Pic: Malik Tajumul.
Hazel Beattie deals with the challenge of portraying heightened emotion well, striking the perfect balance between strong feeling and remaining truthful. However, Queenan, whilst very believable in the everyday scenes, could have more grounding when the stakes are raised.
The leads are supported by a large ensemble, which works very effectively. Having so many additional actors adds energy and momentum to the group scenes. The choreography, created by Dannielle Logan, is appropriate for the style, and the cast execute it successfully. Musical director Fraser Hume has done an excellent job: the harmonies are well blended, particularly showcased in a capella moments.
Sally Lyall has directed the piece with expertise. There is no set and very minimal props, with stage blocks creating all the necessary locations. This works convincingly and allows for scene changes to be efficient.
tight ensemble
What ties the show together is the on-stage band, led by Fraser Hume with Stuart Lyall and Luke Hunter on guitar; Mark Sandford and Taliesiin Liston-Smith on bass and Luis Jarmson on drums,. They form a tight ensemble, demonstrating exceptional skill whilst always supporting the cast and their storytelling.
Although a community theatre group, the cast demonstrate talent worthy of a professional company, telling this heartwarming yet realistic story with aplomb.
Running time: One hour and 30 minutes (no interval).
Assembly Rooms (Music Hall), 54 George Street EH2 2LR (Venue 20).
Thursday 6 – Sunday 30 August 2026.
Daily: 7.10pm.
Tickets and details: Book here at EdFringe.com.
Tickets direct from venue: Book here.
Captivate Theatre’s website: captivatetheatre.com
Facebook: @captivatetheatre
Instagram: @captivatetheatre
TikTok: @captivatetheatre
The cast of Captivate’s Sunshine on Leith. Pic: Malik Tajumul.
ENDS
