I missed Sunny Afternoon during its celebrated two-year run in the West End, so I was genuinely delighted to finally catch it at the beautiful Richmond Theatre as it launches its UK and Ireland tour.
From the very first moments, the production proves itself to be a funny, poignant, and thoroughly entertaining portrayal of one of Britain’s most influential rock and roll bands – The Kinks. Spanning their rise from the early 1960s through to the early 1980s, the musical charts not only their success but also the personal and professional tensions that defined their journey.
At the heart of the story is Ray Davies, played with sensitivity and depth by Danny Horn. As the band’s lead vocalist, rhythm guitarist, and principal songwriter, Ray’s creative genius is central to the narrative. Alongside him is his younger brother, “Dave the Rave” Davies (played by Oliver Hoare), the band’s charismatic, flamboyant and often volatile lead guitarist, whose rebellious energy and occasional unpredictability add both spark and strain to the group dynamic.
The production skilfully explores the relationships between the four band members, including bassist Peter Quaife (Harry Curley) and drummer Mick Avory (Zakarie Stokes). Their camaraderie, ambition, and shared hunger for success are vividly portrayed, but so too are the inevitable clashes – particularly the fractious relationship between the Davies brothers. These tensions are heightened by Dave’s heavy drinking and the pressures of sudden fame, adding emotional weight to the narrative.
Another compelling aspect of the show is its depiction of the band’s management – an all-too-familiar tale of exploitation within the music industry. A succession of unscrupulous managers took substantial cuts of the band’s earnings, leaving the musicians with relatively little. This thread adds a layer of frustration and realism, highlighting the financial and emotional toll of their success.
Musically, the production is nothing short of exhilarating. The accompanying musicians are of an exceptionally high standard, with particular praise to both drummers, one of whom was Zakarie Stokes as Mick Avory on drums, whose precision and energy are standout. Oliver Hoare also impresses with his commanding guitar work as Dave Davies – especially during the iconic riff of “You Really Got Me,” which sent veritable goosebumps through the audience, myself included. Other classic hits, including “All Day and All of the Night,” “Lola,” and “Waterloo Sunset,” were delivered with electrifying intensity and authenticity.
The attention to detail in the staging and design is equally impressive. The production vividly captures the spirit of the era, from the sharp mod fashion and miniskirts of the Swinging Sixties to the euphoric national mood surrounding England’s victory at the 1966 World Cup. These touches help immerse the audience fully in the cultural backdrop of the time.
Sunny Afternoon exceeded all my expectations. It is a vibrant, nostalgic, and emotionally resonant piece of theatre that celebrates both the music and the complicated humanity behind it. For fans of The Kinks and anyone with a love for the spirit and sound of the 1960s, this is a show not to be missed.
Review by Bernadette Lintunen
Sunny Afternoon is a story of friendship, fame and rock history, set to a soundtrack of era-defining songs that brings the sound of the 60s roaring back to life. Experience the electrifying true story behind The Kinks, the band that changed rock music forever, with a back catalogue of unforgettable hits including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “All Day and All of the Night.”
CAST
Victoria Anderson – Gwen, Understudy Mrs Davies / Marsha, Dance Captain
Ben Caplan – Eddie Kassner
James Chisholm – Gregory Piven
Phil Corbitt – Mr Davies / Allen Klein
Alasdair Craig – Larry Page
Harry Curley – Pete Quaife
Deryn Edwards – Mrs Davies / Marsha
Oliver Hoare – Dave Davies
Danny Horn – Ray Davies
Jada Langley – Joyce
Joseph Richardson – Robert Wace
Zakarie Stokes – Mick Avory
Tam Williams – Grenville Collins
Emily Whitby-Samways – Peggy
Lisa Wright – Rasa
Alicia Ally – Understudy Peggy, Gwen and Joyce
Morgan Burgess – Alternate Ray, Understudy Wace and Collins
Dominic Gee-Burch – Understudy Page, Kassner, Mr Davies / Klevin & Piven
James Hudson – Understudy Ray, Dave, Pete & Mick
Kristian Jacobs – Understudy Ray, Pete, Wace & Collins
Robin Johnson – Understudy Mr Davies / Klein, Kassner & Page
Sorrel Jordan – Understudy Rasa & Mrs Davies / Marsha
Timothy Roberts – Alternate Dave, Understudy Mick & Piven
Georgiana Wainwright-Jones – Understudy Rasa, Peggy, Gwen & Joyce
CREATIVES
Ray Davies – Music, Lyrics and Original Story
Joe Penhall – Book
Edward Hall – Director
Miriam Buether – Set and Costume Designer
Adam Cooper – Choreographer
Rick Fisher – Lighting Designer
Matt McKenzie – Sound Designer
Elliott Ware – Musical Supervisor
Natalie Gallacher CDG – Casting (for Pippa Ailion & Natalie Gallacher)
Carole Hancock – Hair, Wigs and Make Up Designer
SUNNY AFTERNOON
Richmond Theatre, 31 March to 4 April 2026
Tour continues to 30 May 2026
Sunny Afternoon Touring Show Dates
