Performed by the proudly Scottish Captivate Theatre, Sunshine on Leith is a heartfelt celebration of the meaning of home, family, and love. It features all the best songs of The Proclaimers, a Scottish rock duo formed in 1983 that most of you will hopefully be familiar with (- if not, give them a listen!). And truly, what better place is there to watch this Edinburgh-set story than in Edinburgh itself?
Stephen Greenhorn’s musical follows best friends Ally and Davy as they return from military service and try to get their lives back on track whilst navigating love, friendships, and family squabbles. It’s not all smooth sailing – there are moments of laughter, heartbreak, and big emotional turns – but it’s a journey that keeps you hooked from start to finish.
Captivate Theatre’s ensemble cast is exceptional, delivering superb singing, rich harmonies, and strong performances across the board. The on-stage band is brilliant in dictating the tone and mood of the performance. The Proclaimers’ hits slot into the story perfectly – some reworked so beautifully they’ll catch you off guard. (The real challenge is not singing along… good luck with that.)
Part of the fun here is how deeply rooted this show feels in its Scottish setting. From the variety of Scottish accents to the knowing local references, it radiates authenticity. If you’ve ever lived here, you’ll catch jokes and nods that land even harder. If not, you’ll still be swept up in the warmth and spirit.
This isn’t really one for children, but adults will find it both uplifting and moving. You might laugh. You might cry. Either way, you’ll leave humming ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ and feeling just that little bit more in love with Scotland.
Sunshine on Leith is running until 24th August at 17.30pm at Ballroom at Assembly Rooms.
Buy tickets here.
Image provided by Captivate Theatre to The Student as press.