Step back in time and into the soundtrack of the swinging sixties – as Sunny Afternoon brings the story of The Kinks to vibrant life at York’s Grand Opera House this week.
A journey through fame, fallout, and fearless creativity, this isn’t your average jukebox musical. Instead, it feels more like a concert bursting with authenticity and emotive storytelling to accompany the much-loved music.
Sunny Afternoon is at the Grand Opera House from Tuesday 11 to Saturday 15 November.
Like so many icons of British rock, The Kinks began with humble roots. Dismissed as poor, they were driven by an unwavering ambition and belief in their craft. That hunger for success shines through Joe Penhall’s book, which, though occasionally underdeveloped, wisely keeps the focus on what matters most: the music. And what music it is, from ‘You Really Got Me’ and ‘Lola’ to the incredible title track, ‘Sunny Afternoon’, these are songs that remain favourites no matter the generation.
Director Edward Hall ensures the production flows as smoothly as one of Ray Davies’ riffs, with transitions that match the changing tempos of both the story and the era. Set on a stage framed by speakers and bright lights, the audience was constantly reminded that amongst the chaos and conflict, it was only ever really about the sound.
At the heart of the show are our four Kinks: Danny Horn as the soulful, introspective Ray Davies and Oliver Hoare as his exuberant, reckless brother Dave. Together, they capture the complex relationship of forming a band with your brother, one we see play out too often in the modern music industry. However, unlike Noel and Liam, fans still await a Kinks reunion all these years later.
Zakarie Stokes and Harry Curley complete the band as our founding drummer and bassist, ensuring outstanding musicianship apparent in their well-deserved solos.
Horn’s performance is particularly affecting, revealing Ray’s vulnerability and creative turmoil, while Hoare’s ‘Dave the Rave’ is a whirlwind of naive recklessness. Their chemistry ignites in moments of tension and tenderness alike, most notably in the act one finale, where ambition clashes with artistry.
And Dave isn’t the only strained relationship Ray encounters. Lisa Wright delivers a touching portrayal of Rasa, his wife, who not only finds her place unexpectedly in Ray’s heart but in the band itself, with her beautiful backing vocals.
Musically, the production excels. The onstage band members play everything from banjo to tuba to washboard with effortless skill, and the technical team deserves applause for keeping the transitions seamless through the show’s fast-paced rhythm and non-stop hits.
‘Dedicated Follower of Fashion’ was a standout performance – a playful, cheeky number that revels in spirit, whilst the a cappella rendition of ‘Thank You for the Days’ is a quiet masterpiece. It distills everything Sunny Afternoon embodies: comedy, heartbreak, brotherhood, and beauty, all in perfect harmony.
Choreographer Adam Cooper enabled the stage to be filled with energy and attitude of the era – the boots, the hair, the moves – recreating the infectious joy of the sixties and offering so many a sweet and nostalgic embrace of musicality.
Ultimately Sunny Afternoon provides more than a biographical account of The Kinks’ rise to fame; it’s a heartfelt celebration of home. Whether following their aspirations in the USA, or their complex internal relationships, all that mattered really was their identifiable beginnings, beliefs and backgrounds, never losing the influence and importance of home.
You don’t need a sunny afternoon to enjoy this one, just a love of great music and a willingness to let it sweep you back in time.
Sunny Afternoon is at the Grand Opera House York until Saturday 15 November. Tickets start from £15 and are available here.
