Sunshine on Leith, Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal

The whole Kendal College cast and crew worked their socks off to produce a slick and joyous piece of musical theatre.

One of the amazing things about Sunshine was how the young performers managed to keep up the Scottish accent so convincingly throughout.

Within drama coach Hilary Pezet’s steel-strong cast were several potential stars of the future and it was a clever touch to bring back former student Glen Hanmer who gave a near faultless performance as the dad Rab.

But for me, Luke Sharples as Davy was truly outstanding. He really is one to watch. Great stage presence and one of the best individual performances that I’ve seen at this level.

Written by Stephen Greenhorn, the moving story sees friends and soldiers Ally and Davy return from Afghanistan, showing how they cope back in Leith with family relationships and affairs of the heart.

Sunshine’s message is that life’s for living, be happy and grasp every opportunity as it comes along.

The live band were superb.

Poignant and singalong raucous, the emotionally bold, global songs of Craig and Charlie Reid (The Proclaimers) rang out - Sunshine on Leith, Letter from America, culminating in the stomping 500 Miles that sent the production soaring even higher.

To be honest, the songs sounded better than I remembered them.

Adrian Mullen