Carmel ThomasonIn the early 2010s, when Ray Davies was first telling his story of 60s icons The Kinks on stage, who would have thought flying the Union Jack flag and talk of Britishness could be so controversial?
Forget the high jinks of an intoxicated Dave Davies swinging from a chandelier in a dress. It is the band’s unabashed rootedness in their London home and joyous celebration of their working-class identity that makes this story all the more relevant today.
There is a scene when the band sing the musical’s title track Sunny Afternoon to a backdrop of England winning the world cup in 1966. The whole auditorium erupts in a huge party spirit as the band plays and the ensemble, draped in flags, dance through the aisles while streamers fall from the roof. If, as Ray’s character says later in the show, his songs aren’t about the lyrics but capturing an atmosphere – the Brit rockers have nailed it again.
This is one of many highs in what is a rollercoaster of a show, which charts the ups and downs of The Kinks’ journey to chart success both here and in the US. It’s that age old story, be careful what you wish for, as the young teenage foursome soon come to realise that rock ‘n’ roll isn’t all about guitars and girls, as music executives, chasing money, copyright, and court cases create a heavy burden. Yet, even though this journey is a well-worn track, the authenticity of Ray Davies’ true story and Joe Penhall’s tight and witty book give the piece an edge that keeps the audience invested throughout the 2 hours 45 minutes.
It is all brought to life with a terrifically talented cast of actor musicians, who inject the stage with an electrifying, gig-like energy. Danny Horn makes a charismatic frontman as Ray, while Oliver Hoare provides both convincing sibling friction and affection as wild brother and bassist Dave. Both actors previously starred in the musical in the West End production where the show won four Olivier Awards including Best New Musical and Outstanding Achievement in Music for Ray Davies.
The night ends with the whole audience on its feet singing and dancing along to a whistle stop through some of The Kinks’ greatest hits, including “You Really Got Me,” “Lola,” and “All Day and All of the Night.” Again, there is nothing new about medley endings, but the infectious energy of this cast and Davies’ rock anthems, make it one of the best.
Sunny Afternoon The Kinks Musical is at The Palace Theatre, Manchester from 11-18 October 2025 before continuing on tour.
Steve Timms
Dave Porter
