West End Wednesday: SUNNY AFTERNOON

Sunny Afternoon is a 2014 musical based on British singer and musician Ray Davies and the formation of the band ‘The Kinks’. The plot follows Ray’s early life growing up with his brother Dave, their decision to create a band and the trajectory of success that ‘The Kinks’ then enjoyed. 

The musical was officially announced in December 2013, to be directed by Edward Hall, with a book by Joe Penhall and a back catalogue of hits by the band. The production opened for a limited run in 2014 at the Hampstead Theatre. The show featured John Dagleish as Ray Davies, George Maguire as Dave Davies, Ned Darrington as Pete Quaife, Adam Sopp as Mick Avory and Lillie Flynn as Rasa. The show was a success and a month after closing its engagement at the Hampstead Theatre, the production was announced to transfer to the West End, opening for previews on 4 October at the Harold Pinter Theatre. 

The show officially opened in the West End on the 28 October 2014 to rave reviews. The production quickly posted an extension to January 2015, before announcing another extension to May of the same year. The production closed in October 2016 after further extensions, enjoying a run of two years on the West End. The production was choreographed by Adam Cooper, with set and costume design by Miriam Buether, lighting design by Rick Fisher, sound design by Matt McKenzie and musical direction by Elliot Ware. The production was a commercial and financial success being nominated for five 2015 Laurence Olivier awards, and winning four including ‘Best New Musical’. 

Shortly after the show’s London closure, a year-long UK and Ireland tour launched. The cast included Ryan O’Donnell as Ray Davies (after having previously understudied and played alternate to the role in town), Mark Newnham as Dave Davies, Garmon Rhys as Pete Quaife, Andrew Gallo as Mick Avory, Lisa Wright as Rasa and James Hudson as Alternate Ray Davies. 

Besties, make sure you listen, it’s all your favourite ‘Kinks’ songs in a fresh way!

Cast recording available on streaming services. 

FACTS:

Music: Ray Davies
Lyrics: Ray Davies
Book:  Joe Penhall 

Theatre: The Harold Pinter Theatre
Run: 28 October 2014 – 29 October 2016 (around 850 performances)

OLIVIERS:

(NOMINATED) Best Sound Design – Matt McKenzie

(WON) Best New Musical, Best Actor in a Musical – John Dagleish, Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Musical – George Maguire, Outstanding Achievement in Music - Ray Davies