Photo Flash: Scotland's Story: Smash-Hit Musical SUNSHINE ON LEITH is on its Way to Coventry

Get ready for "a foot-stamping, hand-clapping, barnstormer of a show" as West Yorkshire Playhouse bring their energetic new production of Sunshine on Leith to the Belgrade Theatre this summer. After opening to rave reviews and massive audiences in Leeds, the smash-hit Scottish show is set to burn your playhouse down when it arrives in Coventry 5-9 June.

First staged by Dundee Rep in 2007, the much-loved musical is now best known to many from Dexter Fletcher's 2013 film adaptation, which saw it skyrocket to international success. Featuring a feelgood soundtrack of irresistible Proclaimers hits guaranteed to make your heart fly, Sunshine on Leith tells the story of returning servicemen Davy and Ally, asking the question of how far you'd walk for the one you love.

Heading home to Scotland from Afghanistan, the two young soldiers find themselves embarking on intertwining journeys in love and romance. Confronted by blind dates, relationships and the prospect of commitment, they slowly rediscover their sense of identity, and come to question what home really means to them.

Helmed by West Yorkshire Playhouse Artistic Director James Brining (Into The Woods, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, West Yorkshire Playhouse), this hugely acclaimed new production offers a fresh and affirmative take on Stephen Greenhorn's warm-hearted script, supported by the formidable talents of David Shrubsole (London Road and My Country, National Theatre; The Wind In The Willows, London Palladium; The Rise and Fall of Little Voice, West Yorkshire Playhouse) as Music Supervisor.

Leading the cast as best friends Davy and Ally are Steven Miller and Paul-James Corrigan. Steven's extensive theatre credits include the National Theatre of Scotland's The James Plays and Frantic Assembly's Othello, while Paul is best known for his long-standing role as Stevie in Scottish drama River City.

Starring alongside them are Jocasta Almgill as Yvonne, whose recent theatre credits include the award-winning In The Heights at Kings Cross Theatre and leading roles in the West End's Dream Girls. Neshla Caplan also joins the cast as Liz following recent roles in Arabian Nights at The Lyceum Edinburgh and the award-winning Adam for National Theatre of Scotland.

Phil McKee (Vera and Jekyll & Hyde for ITV) and Hilary Maclean (whose theatre work includes playing Lady Macbeth in Macbeth at Manchester Royal Exchange) will play husband and wife Rab and Jean, with Lorraine Graham (wonder.land, Manchester International Festival/National Theatre) as Hazel and Nikki Patel as Eilidh.

The cast is completed by Euan Bennet, Joel Burman, Tyler Collins, Richard Colvin, John McLarnon, Lorna McMillan, Matthew Malthouse, Emma Mullen, Sioned Saunders and Kara Swinney.

Director James Brining said: "I am thrilled to be directing Sunshine on Leith, a show which is bursting with heart and energy. It's such an entertaining and emotionally charged musical, which explores ideas of home and identity, falling in love and picking up the pieces when it all falls apart.

"As the UK questions whether it's still one country and what 'Britain' means in the 21st Century, this show questions if your roots and your home really define you. With the beautiful, barnstorming, popular songs of The Proclaimers as its soundtrack, the show never fails to ignite big and powerful emotions from its audience. I can't wait to introduce it to Leeds and take it out on tour."

Sunshine on Leith runs at the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry from Tuesday 5 until Saturday 9 June. Tickets are available to book now by calling the box office on 024 7655 3055, or visiting www.belgrade.co.uk where prices are even cheaper.

Photos by Manuel Harlan.

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