Music and Lyrics: Ray Davies
Book: Joe Penhall
Director: Edward Hall
If you want to turn back time to the 60’s music scene then a visit to the Sunderland Empire this week is a must. A celebration of one of Britain’s iconic bands, The Kinks.
Sunny Afternoon charts the rise of the band, in this four time Olivier Awards winning musical. It’s a biographical musical showing the highs and lows of the band as they come to fame battling with dubious agents and each other.
The opening scene is set, depicting a music studio. This setting is used as a backdrop throughout with various props brought on by visible stage hands to depict many short scene changes. The period costumes of the 60’s are impressive (Deborah Andrews), as is the hair and wig design (Carole Hancock).
The show gets off to a weak start and feels very static. It does improve as the story unfolds but it’s a bit disjointed and there’s not a lot of substance. The music however does not disappoint. There is no orchestra as all the music emerges from the band on stage.
Danny Horne (Ray Davies) and Oliver Hoare (Dave Davies) are a strong team and show a dynamic chemistry between the warring siblings. Harry Curley (Peter Qaife) and Zakarie Stokes (Mick Avory) complete the foursome admirably.
Hoare in particular shows the vulnerability of his character and provides some fun uplifting moments. Horne’s character also shows a vulnerable side and his breakdown scene in the second act is very moving.
There are some lovely harmony moments especially with Rasa (Lisa Wright). Wright’s speech projection is however weak at times and often inaudible to audience members, in the dress circle at least.
The second act takes us to the USA where the band attempt to make it onto the American scene. After a short, fun scene on the aircraft across the Atlantic we are greeted with a riot of stars and stripes encasing the set, designed by Miriam Buether, showing clearly where we are. Their tour of America however was unsuccessful and it’s ends with them being banned from the USA.
Although this biopic story is interesting, as we see the struggle of four vulnerable, young men trying to make it big in the music scene, undoubtedly the music is the star of the show. The songs don’t disappoint as hit after hit is belted out – familiar songs such as You Really Got Me, Waterloo Sunset, Dedicated Follow of Fashion, Sunny Afternoon and Lola amongst many others. The audience are on their feet at times infectiously clapping along. The finale is a show stopping medley of their hits but for this reviewer it was a bit too late. More energy throughout was needed.
If you’re a fan of 60’s music and in particular The Kinks you will enjoy this show but it’s not one that stands out amongst the many musicals being seen at present. A weak, disjointed storyline saved by the music.
Runs until 8th November 2025
