A LOCAL theatre group have received an all-star thumbs up ahead of the opening night of their new show - after Scottish music icons The Proclaimers sent them a surprise good luck message.


Craig and Charlie Reid have sent Largs Players their best wishes for their production of 'Sunshine on Leith', which debuts at Barrfields Theatre tonight.
The famous duo sent a video message to the Players, which will be shown before curtain up.


The show is the group's first big production in seven years and promises to be an uplifting affair full of heart and rousing anthems.
Director Maggie Telfer said: "The Proclaimers sent us a video wishing us all the best for our show, which was a lovely touch and fully appreciated by everyone who is involved in it. 
"We invited them to the opening night, but sadly they couldn't make it because of their tour schedule."
The show is about Davy and Ally, two soldiers returning to their hometown of Edinburgh after serving in Afghanistan.
It features hits 'I'm On My Way', 'Letter from America', 'I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)' and of course the title song. It was made into a successful movie, which had a cameo from the famous twins.
It is the Players' 92nd year and comes after the production was postponed due to Covid in 2020 and 2021.
Director Maggie Telfer can't wait for the curtain go to up.
She said: "We were looking for a big show that would draw the community together and this is such a feel-good one.
"We have sold over 1,600 tickets so far and we have 33 locals in the cast alone before you get to the stage and production teams. Largs is a wee mecca of talent and we hope to showcase that.
"Everyone coming out of the rehearsals has been saying how enjoyable they have been. The music and the lyrics by Craig and Charlie Reid are extremely powerful and the music blends in wonderfully well.
"It feel like the show we've all needed since Covid."
The play was originally created and produced by Dundee Rep Theatre, Scotland’s leading production theatre.
Largs Players have a full back stage team who have worked tirelessly on set construction and design in recent weeks with a wardrobe, dressers and make-up team.
The production will be taking place until October 8, with limited seats remaining for the five performances across the week.
Christopher Kelly is musical director and is a graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and Diane Mullen is the experienced choreographer having carried out the same role for many local musicals, pantomimes and events in the past.
For tickets go to ticketsource.co.uk/largsplayers