Sunshine on Leith at Blackwood Little Theatre

A little history of BLT

Blackwood Little Theatre is housed in a former Methodist chapel and has been in use as a community-theatre venue since around 1956. 
The company (affectionately known locally as “BLT”) was founded in 1929, and over the decades has established itself as a friendly, welcoming performing-arts venue in South Wales.
Their mission emphasises “making performance art accessible” and they stage a wide variety of shows — from classic serious plays, to pantomimes and TV-comedy favourites. 
Given that background, one walks in expecting a warm community-theatre vibe — and what a treat it was to see the company at full throttle for this musical.

The show: Sunshine on Leith at BLT

Pamela and I nabbed a couple of tickets for this gorgeous musical based on the music of The Proclaimers, and I’m thrilled to say it delivered on almost every level.

From the moment the curtain rose, you could tell the cast were having a blast together on stage. Their ensemble energy was contagious. The voices were brilliant — strong, polished, full of character — and the audience (which included quite a few known-faces from the local theatre community) clearly loved every minute.

One moment I won’t forget: at the end of the show, the audience rose as one to join in singing “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” — and the noise, the cheers of delight … I swear the roof nearly came off. It felt triumphant.

In terms of storytelling, the heart was there: returning soldiers, homecoming, love and family, and finding a place. The Proclaimers’ songs were woven throughout with feel-good power and emotional moments. It hit that sweet spot of community theatre where you feel both uplifted and personally touched.

The post-show ritual at BLT (which I’ve come to love) also added to the evening. At the end of each show the cast rush from backstage to the foyer entrance to personally thank the audience. There’s a real party-atmosphere in the foyer afterwards: people are always keen to congratulate actors and stage-hands alike, sharing smiles & laughter. It reinforces that this isn’t just theatre in the community, it’s theatre of the community.

In short: every show I see there, I think, “oh this might be the best yet” — but after this fabulous musical I genuinely believe this was a peak for BLT.

https://www.facebook.com/blackwoodlt

By Photos by Shakira Hamilton

Kym Frederick