Cumnock: Sunshine on Leith theatre group performance

Cumnock Arts Makes People Smile (CAMPS) performers will be putting on a performance of Sunshine on Leith this month.

Following the group's recent rebrand, the performance will mark a major step forward for those involved in the group.

Work is already well underway for the performance, which will take place from April 23-26 at Cumnock Town Hall. Each showing will begin at 7.30pm.

The roles of Ally and Liz in the popular musical, have been filled by CAMPS members Aarran and Thea.

READ MORE: Cumnock arts group is excited for future as rebrand aims to broaden appeal

Aarran joined CAMPS in 2023, heading up the last pantomime of Jack and the Beanstalk, while Thea joined back in 2008, with this being her first lead role.

Speaking about what they love about the CAMPS Perform MT, Aarran said: "I love that no matter who you are or where you come from, you are treated as part of the big wonderful family that is CAMPS."

Thea added: "I love the family that I have made through this group and the laughs that we all have together.

"I also enjoy learning new songs and getting opportunities to share our talents with the community".

Creative arts coordinator, Dale Parker, says the show will be the perfect to show people the new face of the group.

Dale said: "I'm sure it will be a great show and it will be the perfect way for us to show people what we're about and to spread the word about all the great things happening in the hub.

"The team work so hard to put on these shows, so I'm sure people coming along to the evening will have a great night and the cast involved deserve every bit of credit."

Dale Parker, Creative Arts Coordinator (Image: CAMPS)

Until recently CAMPS stood for 'Cumnock Area Musical Production Society', but as we reported last month, the group chose to change its name, if not its initials, in a bid to broaden its appeal.

As Sunshine On Leith shows, though, for those whose talents and enthusiasm do lie in singing, dancing and acting on stage, musical theatre is still a very big part of what CAMPS has to offer.

For those who haven't seen it, Sunshine on Leith was originally written by playwright, screenwriter and BBC drama River City creator Stephen Greenhorn, and was first performed by the Dundee Rep Ensemble in 2007, using the music of The Proclaimers to help tell the story of two soldiers who return to their Edinburgh home from military service overseas and soon begin to question what 'home' really means.

A film adaptation followed in 2013, directed by Dexter Fletcher, and starring Peter Mullan, Jane Horrocks and George MacKay.

Tickets for the CAMPS stage show later this month cost £10 for adults and £8 concession.

You can book your tickets online or fine more information on the CAMPS What's On Facebook page.