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Sunny Afternoon - Greasepaint and Stage Lights - Theatre Radio Show

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Sunny Afternoon

Sunny Afternoon
Milton Keynes Theatre (UK Tour)
Review Complete
“All you need on any afternoon.”
24th March 2026

It is 30 years since The Kinks disbanded and a lot longer than their heyday, which explains why the majority of attendees were over 50. But this is a show for younger people too.
 
 
If anyone thinks Sunny Afternoon is another typical Juke Box Musical they are wrong. With the distinguished theatre director Edward Hall and choreographer Adam Cooper at the helm, the show won 4 Olivier Awards when first performed. With a book by Joe Penhall, it tells the story of the band and the turbulent relationship of brothers Ray and Dave Davies. Ray is credited with music, lyrics and original story which explains why none of his siblings songs are included in the show. Without Dave’s input there is still an abundance of classic hits (to please the devotee’s). The lesser known album tracks fit the narrative perfectly and don’t feel shoehorned in. Ray’s lyrics are partly autobiographical and partly social commentary which moves the story along.


 
 

We first see the boys in the early 60’s in a band called The Ravens, formed by Dave and his best mate Peter Quaife, backing a terrible balladeer in to a less than appreciative audience. Through boredom and frustration, Dave breaks out with a guitar riff that grabs everyone’s attention and gets them dancing. The singer, Robert Wace realises their potential. Although he sees them as “unwashed, working class oik’s” he decides to manage them with his partner Grenville Collins. Dubbed Messrs 40% they are the comic relief throughout the show. They introduce the band to record producer, Larry Page 20% and music executive and publisher, Eddie Kassner another 20%.


 
 

First hurdle is getting parental approval. Dad needs to sign the contract as Dave is still a minor. The song “Dead End Street” cleverly introduces the Davies family. Contract signed, they are now property of “the suits” who want to change their image. While being suited and booted, they start fooling around with hats and a feather boa. The outfitter says that they looked Kinky. And the Kinks are born and are “Dedicated Followers of Fashion”.


 
 

The hits don’t come straight away. Things get fractious in the recording studio until Dave slashes his amp and bangs out a riff that becomes the opening cords for “You Really Got Me”. Their first No1.
 
 
Fame brings appearances on Top of the Pops, touring, groupies, drink, drugs, swinging from chandeliers (and spraying the first three rows with champagne). All four of the band have their resentments and personality clashes. Act One ends with an onstage fight between Dave and Mick the drummer, leaving Dave bloodied and hospitalised.


 
 

Act Two covers their disastrous American Tour. Ray’s mental health and marital issues, Dave’s self destruction, court cases, change of management and band break ups. All beautifully staged with the talented company playing multiple roles. The ensemble singing and dancing is exemplary. The big company numbers are great, but the stand out moments for me are the solo ballads that add so beautifully to the drama. An acapella, close harmony version of “Thank You For The Day” between the band and Messrs 40% was perfection and brought the house down.


 
 

Coinciding with the The 1966 World Cup  “Sunny Afternoon” brought the band back on top. After winning the court case “Dave the rave” got his act together and Ray got creating again so the show concludes on a high with the band headlining at Madison Square Garden belting out “Lola”
 
 
After a singalong of “All Day And All Of The Night “ everyone left very happy.


Reviewer:  Paul St James

Photography: Copyright of owner

We are Gifted tickets so that in return we may give an honest review. All comments are those of the reviewer and theirs alone.
Greasepaint and Stage Lights

Email: musicals@btinternet.com
website: www.greasepaintandstagelights.co.uk
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