Young stars of an East Kilbride School’s first summer show in three years enjoyed a showbiz boost this week.
Glasgow actor Elaine Mackenzie Ellis sent a message of support to Duncanrig Secondary as it prepares to stage Sunshine on Leith.
The Rab C Nesbitt and Still Game star appeared in the film version of the musical, which is based around the songs of The Proclaimers.
She is one of Glasgow’s best known stars of stage and screen, having appeared as Natalie in Rab C Nesbitt, the Fairy Godmother in Cinderella at the King’s Theatre, and alongside Emily Mortimer and Gerard Butler in Dear Frankie.
She recently appeared in the short film Censure, with Tom Conti.
“Sunshine on Leith was a fab film to work on, and I hope everyone at Duncanrig has a great time being part of it,” she told Lanarkshire Live.
“I love the energy and enthusiasm young people bring to productions – there’s nothing better than a school show.
“The last two years have been really hard on everyone in the creative arts – being part of a show like this is about so much more for the kids taking part than having the opportunity to act and sing, it’s about being together with your pals, learning new skills and having a great time.
"So it’s great to see everyone get back to what they love doing.”
Sunshine on Leith tells the story of Ally and Davy, two young soldiers picking up their lives again after returning from Afghanistan. Through the incredible songs of The Proclaimers, including the title track, Let’s Get Married and 500 Miles, they try to adjust to life outside the army, and to deal with the everyday struggles of love, life and friendship.
More than 40 pupils are taking part in Duncanrig’s production, including a talented backstage team involved in set-building, costume, make-up and props. Pupils also play key roles behind the scenes.
“We are all feeling really excited about doing the show,” said Kirsty Wilson, 14, who shares the role of Davy’s mother Jean (the part made famous by Jane Horrocks in the movie version) with Katie McKenna, 17.
“It has been hard work learning the lines but it’s been an amazing opportunity for us. I would never have got to know so many people from different year groups without this, so it’s been great.”
Logan Laughlin, 17, who plays Davy’s father Rab, wants to be a film and TV actor when he leaves school. He said: “Rab is nothing like me so it’s been a challenge to play someone like that and I have learned a lot.
“Covid meant we couldn’t do anything like this, so it will be brilliant to have our friends and families back into the school to see the show.”
The East Kilbride school’s summer show is a popular fixture on the town’s cultural calendar, so staff are delighted to be able to welcome the community back in after a long absence due to Covid.
Drama teacher Heather Rodger, who is directing the show with her colleagues Rachael White and Katy-Anne McGlade, said the whole team had been boosted by Elaine’s message of support.
“We’re really grateful to her for taking time out to support us,” she said. “It was important to us to return with a fantastic, feel-good show.”
She explained: “After the last two and a half years, everyone needs a lift and Sunshine on Leith is the most uplifting show.
“We wanted to do a production that would involve the whole school and get the audience singing along – and these are such great songs that everyone knows.”
“There are some sad scenes and themes that challenge the young actors, but we have a very strong cast this year, including some who are going on to study drama, and many young pupils who are appearing in a show for the very first time.”
Duncanrig’s award-winning music and drama department, headed up by Jane Ramsay, has been working hard to stage Sunshine on Leith since Covid restrictions were finally lifted last year.
Heather added: “We’re really proud of them all and we hope everyone will come and see it – it’s going to be spectacular.”
To purchase tickets for Sunshine on Leith, which runs from June 15 to 17, call Duncanrig Secondary on 01355 588800.
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