Winner of the 2015 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, Sunny Afternoon tales the story of London’s best sounding rock ‘n roll catastrophe, The Kinks, and follows the band from its formation in Muswell Hill between brothers Ray and Dave Davies through the many ups and downs on their way to international stardom.
I caught a performance of the show last night and really enjoyed it. The Theatreland treatment came across a bit sappy at times (what else was I expect?) but in no way diminished the intimate, raw feel of Ray Davies songs and lyrics. I was greatly entertained, learned a few things about one of my favourite bands, and left in a great mood and humming Waterloo Sunset all the way home.
If you’re a fan of The Kinks, you’ll love the show’s renditions featuring a good selection of classic Kinks material. If you’re not fan (or don’t yet realize that are), you might be surprised by how many songs written by Ray Davies and performed by The Kinks you already love and probably know by heart.
Sunny Afternoon is playing at the Harold Pinter Theatre, Panton Street, SW1Y 4DN. Find out more and book tickets up to 16 April 2016 at SunnyAfternoonTheMusical.com.
